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<< -- 3 -- Kelly Ferjutz ELECTED ENDINGS
Conductor Henry Mollicone set a fairly brisk pace, and the libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte, with English translation by Ruth and Thomas Martin was mostly comprehensible, even without surtitles.
From left to right, Scott Guinn (Guglielmo), Steven Mello (Ferrando), Kristen Plumley (Despina), Sarah Mattox (Dorabella) and Lori Lind (Fiordiligi) in Così fan tutte. Photo © 2004 Steve Zorc
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In a contemporaneous touch, and a nod to the fact that this is a major election year in the US, LOC conducted an election of its own. Attendees were given a slip of paper on which were described three possible endings of the opera: as written; the way they were at the beginning, or a new twist -- Dorabella running off with Despina, leaving Guglielmo alone or with Don Alfonso. With tongues firmly in cheeks, the Artistic and Managing Directors beseeched the attendees to either 'Vote early, vote often!' or to 'Buy additional votes! Only one dollar each' (proceeds to benefit LOC).
Sarah Mattox as Dorabella (left) and Lori Lind as Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte. Photo © 2004 Steve Zorc
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Ballots were counted during intermission, and early returns indicated a tie between the first and third options. However, on opening night, democracy ruled. The opera would finish as written. There are three performances to come. Who knows what might happen then?
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