Review: Singing is sublime in San Diego Opera’s cleverly conceived ‘Così fan tutte’

Konu Kim, left, John Brancy and Alisa Jordheim in San Diego Opera's "Così fan tutte."

Saturday’s opening night was company’s first performance at the Civic Theatre since February 2020

Feb. 14, 2022 1:27 PM PT

Opera-goers don’t attend “Così fan tutte” for its story. They come for the singing, which includes some of the most beautiful arias and ensembles that Mozart ever wrote.

So what makes San Diego Opera’s new production of “Così” that opened Saturday at the San Diego Civic Theatre so enjoyable is that it’s not only wonderfully cast with exceptional singers, it also has an imaginative setting and colorful scenery and costumes that add depth to the story.

“Così” is the third and final collaboration between Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte. Most people say its music is the most gorgeous of the three, but its plot — compared to the emotional tumult in “The Marriage of Figaro” and “Don Giovanni” — is silly and slight enough to fit in a thimble. Two young men, Ferrando and Guglielmo, make a bet that their fiancées, Dorabella and Fiordiligi, will never stray. Then they test the women’s fidelity by disguising themselves and courting each others’ ladies. Manipulating the strings on this deception is the bet-maker, Don Alfonso, and Despina, a crafty maid.

Samantha Hankey, left, Sarah Tucker and Jack Missett in San Diego Opera's "Cosi fan tutte."

Timothy Nelson’s clever direction is jam-packed with creativity and scenic eye candy designed by Tim Wallace that keeps the audience engaged throughout the production’s three hours. Ingrid Helton’s lush costumes set the story in a picture-perfect 1950s America, where the men gamble over their women’s virtue in a locker room, then disguise themselves as mustachioed silver screen-style cowboys.

Don Alfonso becomes a film director, setting the stage for all the infidelities to come. A giant video screen features cinematic close-ups of the singers performing. As the lovers question their hearts, cardboard scenery-like trees drop down to create a “forest of the mind” and the characters are stripped of the colorful outer layers of clothing to represent the exposure of their feelings.

In an uncredited cameo, San Diego actor Jack Missett plays an aged and haggard Cupid in soiled wings, sock garters and a lumpy diaper, symbolizing the folly of idealized love. Nelson’s finale tableau, which I won’t reveal here, is quite smart and dazzling in concept.

With just six characters and a small offstage chorus, that allows virtually every character in “Così” to have a gorgeous aria or two to sing, and this cast is up to the task.

As Ferrando, Konu Kim has a meltingly lovely tenor voice with easy top notes that shines in the tender love song “Un’aura amorosa” and then sharpens up when he feels betrayed by Dorabella’s interest in the disguised Guglielmo, “Tradito, schernito.” As Fiordiligi, soprano Sarah Tucker also shows her range and vocal power in the challenging first act aria “Come scoglio,” then exhibits her coloratura skills in the famous “Per pietà” aria.

Soprano Alisa Jordheim, who played Gilda in San Diego Opera’s 2019 production of “Rigoletto” makes a triumphant and scene-stealing return as Despina, who turns the tables on the unfaithful men with the meticulously sung “In uomini, in soldati” and then shows off her control and range in the playful “Una donna a qundici anni.”

Mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey sings Dorabella’s “E amore un ladroncello” aria with ease and grace. As Guglielmo, baritone John Brancy gets fewer shiny arias but he’s a strong singer and a good, funny actor. And as Don Alfonso, Reginald Smith Jr. anchors the vocal ensembles with his rich baritone voice.

Conductor Bruce Stasyna artfully leads San Diego Symphony musicians through the sublime score, which is sung in Italian with supertitles projected above the stage.

Nelson’s 1950s rom-com movie version of “Così fan tutte” is light, charming and visually fun. Yet in the hands of its six excellent singers, it’s nice to just close your eyes and let the music wash over you.