Opera students to perform ‘Elixir of Love’

BOWLING GREEN, O.—The opera that launched the careers of such famous tenors as Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti will be performed by the Bowling Green State University Opera Theater. Gaetano Donizetti’s comic opera “The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d’amore)” will be presented at 8 p.m. Friday (Feb. 26) and at 3 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 28) in Kobacker Hall of the Moore Musical Arts Center.

A free forum will be held in Bryan Recital Hall 45 minutes before each performance to introduce audiences to the opera.

One of the most popular comedic operas of all time, Felice Romani’s libretto combines with Donizetti’s score to create this enduringly entertaining opera.

The plot concerns a young peasant man named Nemorino and his unrequited love for the beautiful Adina, a wealthy country girl. When Adina overlooks his devotion in favor of the dashing Sergeant Belcore, the young protagonist is convinced that a magic potion will gain her admiration. He seeks the help of Dr. Dulcamara, a traveling salesman, who sells him an elixir that he claims has the potency of “Isolde’s love potion.” Desperate to win Adina’s affection, Nemorino spends all his money on nothing more than cheap red wine. Audiences will be delighted to discover with Nemorino that a potion-induced passion pales in comparison to genuine devotion.

Soprano Rebecca Eaddy, a graduate student from Milan, Mich. (11855 Grames), majoring in vocal performance, will sing the role of Adina. Tenor Jake Wilder, a senior vocal performance major from Van Wert (15023 Convoy Road), will appear as Nemorino, and bass-baritone Joel Trisel, a senior vocal performance major from Celina (5256 St. Rt. 29), will be seen as Dr. Dulcamara.

Also performing are two vocal performance graduate students: baritone Errin Brooks, from Detroit (8836 Buhl Ave.), in the role of Belcore and soprano Amanda Strain, from Indianapolis (682 E. Hannah Ave.), in the role of Gianetta.

The performance will be sung in Italian, with English supertitles.

Bowling Green’s production is directed by Dr. Ronald Shields, chair of the Department of Theatre and Film at BGSU. Dr. Emily Freeman Brown, director of orchestral activities, is the musical director for the production. 

Tickets are $9 for senior citizens and $12 for other adults. BGSU students can buy tickets for $5 plus a canned good. Donations will be given to the Bowling Green Food Pantry. If purchased at the door on the day of the performance, tickets are $12 for senior citizens and $15 for adults.

Tickets can be purchased at the center box office weekdays from noon-6 p.m. or by calling 419-372-8171 or toll-free 1-800-589-2224.

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(Posted February 19, 2010 )