The Elixer of Love - MN Opera

Photos by Cory Weaver

The Elixer of Love, a charming comedy of love composed by Gaetano Donizetti with a libretto by Felice Romani, is playing three more performances at the Ordway Center for the Arts. It is being produced by MN Opera in a lovely production - and if you don't know this work, you should go see it. You may know the name Donizetti due to MN Opera's lovely production of The Daughter of the Regiment (back in 2023), or his very well known Lucia di Lammermoor. He wrote a series of operas based on Tudor History - Maria Stuarda, Anna Bolena, Roberto Devereux, and Il castello di Kenilworth. I know the first three are often done at the Met Opera, but I am not familiar with them. I was not familiar with The Elixer of Love at all, and it was nice to get another opera under the belt.

While this specific opera was not my favorite, the production was charming and lovely to look at. The single set with multiple levels was well used. The lighting effects showing the passing of time from day to evening, to morning was great. The costumes were fantastic - hearing the rustle of tulle during a quiet moment in Act Two was fun, and I haven't even touched on the music and singing. Donizetti is one of the big composers of the Bel Canto style of writing. Personally, I really enjoy listening to Bel Canto opera because a lot of emphasis is put on the style of singing - long gorgeous vocal lines, embellishments, music that is supportive to the voice and gorgeous at the same time. All things I enjoy about the opera. It is not as focused on the story so don't expect deep Wagnerian plots, and sub-plots, and sub-sub-plots. However this work does allow you to sit back, enjoy the simple story that is being told through the beautiful music and voices that are on stage.

Photos by Cory Weaver

Returning to the MN Opera stage is Vanessa Becerra (previously seen as the Daughter of the Regiment) as Adina, who is loved by Nemorino (Andrew Stenson), while also being wooed by Belcore (Joseph Lattanzi). Nemorino feels down on his luck, especially after Adina sings about the famed Elixer of Love that Isolde had in a book she was reading. Luckily Dulcamara (sung by Stefano De Peppo) comes along selling all sorts of tonics and tinctures. He hears Nemorino's plight and his assistant (Gemma Isaacson in a non-singing role) mixes some orange juice into a bottle of Bordeaux and sells it off as an Elixer of Love. Does this change Nemorino's luck in love? Will Adina realize that she also loves Nemorino? or will she fall for the handsome soldier Belcore?

Photos by Cory Weaver

Honestly, with a score like this, along with voices and performances like I saw opening night - who really cares? Sit back, and enjoy the music, and the incredible chorus, and the wonderful voices. They are all top-notch! The orchestra is wonderfully conducted by Christopher Franklin in his first performance as principal conductor. Topping the score and voice was the charming production design - scenery, costumers, lighting, wig/hair/make-up, choreography...all just charming and perfectly fitting.