I can think of no better introduction to opera than “L’elisir d’amore” (“The Elixir of Love”) at Union Avenue Opera. The opera and the production are delightful. Patrons who enjoyed Union Avenue’s “Fiddler on the Roof” ought to give “L’elisir d’amore” a try even if they do not consider themselves opera fans.
The principal characters are Nemorino, a poor peasant, and Adina, the beautiful landowner, Adina. He is in love with her, but she does not seem interested in him. After hearing Adina read the story of Tristan and Isolde to her workers, Nemorino develops an interest in love potions.
The chance to buy one presents itself when the traveling mountebank, Dr. Dulcamara, arrives in town. He sells Nemorino a “love potion” that is nothing more than red wine. By this time, Nemorino must contend with a rival for Adina’s affections, a braggart soldier named Sergeant Belcore.
Gaetano Donizetti’s score is filled with great tunes, and Felice Romani’s libretto is an enchanting comedy. Union Avenue’s orchestra plays with assurance under Cara Chowning’s sympathetic conducting.
The cast includes:
- Charles Calotta as Nemorino
- Kyaunnee Richardson as Adina
- John Robert Green as Doctor Dulcamara
- Junhan Choi as Belcore
- Leann Schuering as Giannetta, a friend of Adina
They sing beautifully and continually find the libretto’s humor under Jon Truitt’s direction.
The ensemble includes Benjamin Ayers, Kelly N. Beekman, Raven Brooks, Kai Song Chan, Laurel Ellison Dantas, Seth Ferrell, Caitlin Hadeler, Jahlil Johnson, Elizabeth-Lee E. Musch, Kevin Neace, and Janelie Pierce, Ian Smith.
The rural Italian setting in 1836 is firmly established by Laura Skroska’s elaborate set design, Teresa Doggett’s handsome costumes, Patrick Huber’s helpful lighting, and Cecile “CeCe” Entz’s well-chosen properties. The supertitle designer is Philip Touchette.
“L’elisir d’amore” continues through August 1 at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union Boulevard.
—Gerry Kowarsky
Photo by Dan Donovan Photography
From the left: Charles Calotta as Nemorino and Junhan Choi as Belcore in “L’elisir d’amore.”
