OPERA THEATER OF CT OFFERS MUSICAL LOVE POTION

Almost 200 years ago Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti wrote a comic opera in two acts that took him less than six weeks to pen. Since 1832, it has remained one of the most frequently performed operas in the world and now, thanks to Opera Theater of Connecticut, you have the opportunity to delight in all its romantic ups and downs and curves and twists. The Andrews Memorial Theater, Main Street, Clinton will be the setting for “L’Elisir D’Amore” on Tuesday, August 6, Thursday, August 8 and Saturday, August 10 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, August 11 at 6 p.m. in air conditioned comfort. The production will feature full orchestra, a rainbow of colorful costuming and supertitiles to explain the Italian.

When a poor, young peasant Nemorino, sung by tenor John Noh, loses his heart to a flirtatious farm owner Adina, created by Claudia Rosenthal, he has little hope of success. He comes upon her as she reads a story about Tristan and Iseult to a group of villagers, explaining how Tristan wins his lover by drinking a magic love potion. Nemorino gets the idea that he could secure a magic drink and win the fair maiden.

Meanwhile a regiment of soldiers arrives led by the pompous Sergeant Belcore, baritone Luke Scott, who takes one look at Adina and promptly declares he desires her for his wife. The fickle Adina plays her two suitors against each other, feigning indifference to Nemorino, while plotting to marry the soldier. Conveniently a shyster doctor is in town pedaling potions, Dr. Dulcamara, played by Adelmo Guidarelli, and sells Nemorino a cheap bottle of wine and takes his last coins. Watching nearby is Adina’s good friend Giannetta, played by soprano Lisa Williamson.

The plot thickens as the lovesick Nemorino enlists in the army to secure money to purchase additional elixir for he believes it will work miracles. A jealous Adina postpones her marriage and casts besotted eyes on Nemorino and suddenly anything is possible. Come see for yourself who wins the immodest maiden. Just to hear the love-struck Nemorino sing the masterful and moving aria “Una furtiva lagrima” is worth everything.

To make the evening more memorable, order an al fresco boxed supper from Chips’ Pub III for $15 at least 24 hours in advance, and dine on the lawn overlooking Clinton Harbor. Plan to come an hour and a half early to hear an Opera Talk by Artistic Director Alan Mann so you will be better prepared for the experience.

For tickets ($55, seniors $50, students $30 or $40 for groups of 8), call the theater company at 860-669-8999 or go online tooperatheaterofct.org.

Add sparkle and shine to your summer with Opera Theater of CT by attending this 34^thanniversary production, suitable for the whole family, that will make your heart sing with dozens of romantic possibilities.