Happening

Cosi Fan Tutte

The Dunster House Opera Society presents their last two performances of Cosi Fan Tutte, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s final comic opera. The story follows the travails of Ferrando and Guglielmo, two arrogant young officers who decide to test the loyalty of their beautiful fiancées after the sceptical Don Alfonso questions their sweethearts’ devotion. Hilarity ensues as the opera unravels to expose the deceitful nature of love. Tickets $9 regular, $10 at door, $7 students, $6 Dunster residents. Friday, Feb. 27 at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at 8:30 p.m. Dunster House Dining Hall. (SLS)

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The American Repertory Theatre continues the run of its production of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Reinventing the classic proved a triumphant achievement for director Martha Clarke, who, with the moving music composed by Richard Peaslee, brings a whimsical and strikingly beautiful play of non-stop eye candy to audiences. Ethereal costumes coupled with the airy choreography executed with grace and finesse by the cast (who turn in a series of moving performances), creates an unforgettable experience. Clarke gives new life to the play by focusing on the beautiful potential of Shakespeare’s imagination. Through Sat., Feb. 28. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Matinee showings at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday performances followed by PLAYBACK discussion. (MC)

Sly Fox

Richard Dreyfuss (Mr. Holland’s Opus) and Eric Stoltz (Pulp Fiction) star in this new production of Arthur Penn’s 1976 Broadway hit entitled Sly Fox. Foxwell J. Sly (Dreyfuss) is a con man operating at the emergence of the Gold Rush in San Francisco. The mad zeal for glittering nuggets proves to be a perfect opportunity for Sly and his assistant to make a tidy sum. The screenplay, written by Larry Gelbart, is a reimagining of Ben Jonson’s darkly comedic Volpone. The production will also feature Bronson “Get out of the city!” Pinchot (Perfect Strangers) and Elizabeth “I’m so excited! I’m so excited! I’m so…scared” Berkley (Saved by the Bell). Exclusive pre-Broadway engagement runs through March 7. Tickets $21-88. 8 p.m. Shubert Theatre, 265 Tremont St., Boston. (BBC)

Visuals

New VES Faculty Display

The faculty of the Department of Visual and Environmental Studies will be displaying their works at the Carpenter Center through next Sunday, Feb. 29. Featured faculty-artists include Tom Butter, Elinor Carucci, Julian Lethbridge, Michaela Pavlatova and Elaine Reichek. The sculpture of Tom Butter, a Visiting Lecturer in the department, transform a mix of materials to bring form to abstract ideas, as his course VES 130r, “Idea into Form,” promises to teach. The work of Michaela Pavlatova, the Prague-born animator, is also particularly noteworthy. Free. Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. (MC)

The Western Tradition

“The Western Tradition: Art Since the Renaissance,” the new exhibition at the Sert Gallery, serves as an accompaniment to Professor Henri Zerner’s popular introductory course in the Department of History of Art and Architecture, HAA-10. The exhibitions touches on a similarly broad range of themes and works as the course, with an impressive display of different media—including paintiing, sculpture and prints—as well as rare works. The exhibition will run until April 22. (MC)

Inhabiting Infrastructure

The Graduate School of Design is presenting a new exhibition entitled “Inhabiting Infrastructure,” which looks at build landscape and urban design throughout the world. The exhibition promises to investigate these themes through a host of diverse examples that will illuminate various aspects of the notion of urban landscape. The exhibition is located at Gund Hall Gallery at the GSD, through March 21. Monday through Thursday at 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (MC)

Draped in Dragons: Chinese Court Costumes

The Museum of Fine Arts is currently showing “Draped in Dragons,” an exhibit that provides a fascinating look into Chinese Imperial court life through examples of robes, furniture, portraits and historic photographs. Details of court robes, such as the color, number of dragon claws and the emblem on an insignia badge, were all important for distinguishing rank and position in the society. The exhibit displays articles drawn from the MFA’s collection as well as borrowed pieces from collectors. Runs through May 2. Tickets (including admission to the MFA’s other galleries) $15 adults, $13 students. (SLS)