Opening day for Mozart’s “Così fan tutte” was full of joy! On February 1st, the opera kicked off in front of a full house at 2pm at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago, IL.

Set in the 1930s, the highly anticipated comedic show begins with Ferrando (Anthony León) and Guglielmo (Ian Rucker) beaming with pride at their brides-to-be, virtuous sisters, Fiordiligi (Jacquelyn Stucker) and Dorabella (Cecilia Molinari). The story takes an interesting turn when philosopher Don Alfonso (Rod Gilfry) suggests the two gentlemen put their perfect women to the test prior to exchanging vows. The young men agree to the bet, because they are overly confident in their ladies’ devotion to them. To make sure the bet stays a secret, Don Alfonso decides to include the maid, Despina (Ana María Martínez), in the charade as well.

The ladies make their grand opera entrance at an outdoor art lesson. They are expressing heartfelt adoration on paper with a live male model present. In the midst of their dreamy existence, dreadful news about their husbands-to-be going off to war reaches them. An emotional downward spiral commences for the sisters. The two couples are forced to say their long goodbyes while the ladies are left in the doldrums.

Let the games begin! Ferrando and Guglielmo return in clever, playboy disguises to woo each other’s wife-to-be. It’s a long road ahead as Fiordiligi and Dorabella are initially resistant to their topsy-turvy advances. The romantic attempts are hilarious to watch as the guys outdo themselves to capture the ladies’ hearts and see if they will cheat on their lovers. Despina plays a significant role in matchmaking and literally bringing the playboys back to life.

Guglielmo is successful in his attempts and brags to Ferrando that he is more handsome than him. It leaves the heartbroken Ferrando in emotional agony but determined to prove that Fiordiligi is untrustworthy too. Shortly after, he succeeds in his pleasurable mission and both men’s hearts are shattered. The remainder of the opera places a spotlight on the infidelity exposure and its effects on seemingly happy relationships.

Honorable mention: conductor Enrique Mazzola made the dreamy opera come alive with the expert way he directed the orchestra. Each musical piece was absolute perfection!

I highly recommend everyone see “Così fan tutte.” It is an amusing show the whole family will love. The entire cast shined not only as actors and singers but comedians too. Keep an eye on the many laugh out loud moments courtesy of Despina and Guglielmo! “Cosi fan tutte” will hold a very special place in the hearts of those who adore the classics. This lighthearted opera, which is sung in Italian with English subtitles, is worth seeing again and again.

“Così fan tutte” is now playing through February 15th, 2026 at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago, IL.

A special thanks to The Silverman Group and Lyric Opera of Chicago for the images and press passes.