The cast of Così fan tutte was in full swing at a recent Soo Opera Theatre fundraiser: (front row, L-R) John Arnold, Trisha Wells, and Bradley Williard; and (back row, L-R) Christopher Hollingsworth, Karen Hughes Beacom, and Rosemary Hollingsworth.The cast of Così fan tutte has arrived at the Soo Theatre and rehearsals are in full swing! No less than six professional opera singers will grace the Soo Theatre stage in Mozart’s comic opera, which will be performed in English on August 6, 7, and 9. This two-act comedy will have you rolling with laughter while being blown away by the astounding vocal abilities of these six professional performers.
This year’s featured performers come from around the United States and right here in Sault Ste. Marie.
New York Bass Baritone Bradley Williard (Don Alfonso) joins the Soo Theatre Project for the first time with his comic rendition of the master of ceremonies.
Soprano Rosemary Hollingsworth makes her third appearance at Soo Theatre this season as Despina, the charming and somewhat devious chambermaid to the sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella. Hollingsworth appeared as the lovable chambermaid Adele in last season’s Soo Theatre production of Die Fledermaus.
Baritone John Arnold, as Guglielmo, comes to us from Atlanta, Georgia. Arnold was Count Almaviva in Italy last summer singing opposite soprano Karen Hughes Beacom as Countess Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro.
Illinois State University Department Chair and tenor Chris Hollingsworth (Ferrando) made his debut with the Theatre last season as the featured tenor in A Grand Night for Singing.
Resident artists Karen Hughes Beacom and Trisha Wells will be playing the roles of Fiordiligi and Dorabella, the two sisters who are put to the test by the cynic, Don Alfonso. Wells recently “wowed” audiences as the fiery Nancy in Soo Theatre’s production of Oliver!
Così fan tutte is being directed and produced by Soo Theatre’s own Karen Hughes Beacom and Canadian resident Timothy Murphy. Alan Jacobus of Cedarville is the conductor of the Così fan tutte orchestra. The members of this 22-person orchestra all reside locally, hailing from the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Canada. This performance also includes a chorus of EUP and Canadian residents.
Do not miss this comic opera being performed in English. On Thursday, August 6th and Friday, August 7th at 7:30 pm admission is $18 for adults and $16 in advance. On Sunday, August 9th at 2:00 pm admission is $15 for adults and $13 in advance. Student, senior, and group discounts for all shows are available at the Soo Theatre Project. Their hours are Monday through Thursday 10 am to 6 pm and Friday 10 am to 4 pm. Soo Theatre Project is located at 534 Ashmun Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. For tickets and information, call (906) 632-1930.