Though best known today for his supposed rivalry with Mozart, Antonio Salieri was a prolific and successful composer in his own right. COT honors the 200th Anniversary of Salieri’s death in 1825 with the Chicago premiere of his sparkling comedy, Falstaff, ossia Le tre burle (Falstaff, or The Three Tricks). Librettist Carlo Prospero Defranceschi based his work on the charming anti-hero, Sir John Falstaff, from multiple Shakespeare plays. Premiered in 1799 and inspired by the plot of Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, Falstaff follows the misadventures of the arrogant and bumbling knight as he schemes to seduce two married women — only to be hilariously outwitted by their clever tricks. This comedic tale of human folly, deception, and the triumph of wit over arrogance remains as fresh and funny as ever.

COT’s new production of Salieri’s Falstaff will be directed by Robin Guarino and conducted by Christine Brandes, both making their debuts with the company. Rising star bass-baritone Christian Pursell makes his COT debut in title role, alongside distinguished local artists soprano Vanessa Becerra as Mistress Ford, tenor Andrew Morstein as Master Ford, Tzytle Steinman as Mistress Slender, bass-baritone Peter Morgan as Bardolfo recent Ryan Center alumni baritone Laureano Quant as Master Slender and soprano Denis Vélez as Betty. Audiences are sure to enjoy this enchanting blend of Italian opera buffa and Viennese classical elegance, offering a unique perspective on one of Shakespeare’s most beloved characters.