Performance marks 40th years of Idaho Falls Opera performances

This weekend marks a milestone of sorts for the Idaho Falls Opera Theatre. It is the 40 th season for the company, and they’re celebrating with a performance of what some consider the funniest opera of all time, “Cosi Fan Tute.”

The performers range from young college students to old timers like Rob Farnam who has been with the Idaho Falls Opera since it began 40 years ago.

“It’s a grand tradition and great compliment to Idaho Falls that we can do this –opera is not easy to do,” Farnam said.

Dana Atkins makes her debut as director.

“It’s exciting to be part of it, ” Atkins said. ” There are so many people that have been part of it for so many years. They have a lot of wisdom and experience that I’ve been able to learn from and so it’s become a treat to become part of this group.”

Roger Evans returns as director of an orchestra of accomplished musicians.

The opera tells the story of two young military officers engaged to sisters. They become angry when their cynical older friends tell them there’s no such thing as a faithful woman. So, he comes up with a scheme where they pretend to off to war, but then come back in disguise and try to woe the sisters away.

The performers and director promise even those who’ve never seen an opera will love this one.

“But the best part, it’s funny, ” Farnam said. ” It’s probably the funniest opera ever written. People think opera is high-brow and boring. No, it’s hilarious.”

“There’s a lot of fun in this opera, and we’re also doing it in English and we did that on purpose so more people in Idaho Falls could come and enjoy it,” Atkins said.

The opera will be performed at the Colonial Theater in Idaho Falls this friday, April 6,7 and 9 at 7p.m. Tickets are available at Idahofallsarts.org.