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The Elixir of Love: Video and reviews
Posted November 18, 2008
The Elixir of Love is an uplifting comedy with brilliant music, check out the reviews and video below! Three performances are left in Norfolk this week before we head to Richmond for performances on Nov. 28 and 30, then Fairfax for final performances on Dec. 5 and 6. Incredible special offers are available for all performances in Norfolk and Richmond.
Orchestra provided by the Virginia Symphony
Lee Teply (Nov. 16, 2008; The Virginian-Pilot):
"The Virginia Opera’s production of Gaetano Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love” brought together excellent singing and acting in a clever visual setting for a thoroughly enjoyable opening Friday at the Harrison Opera House....
Dorothy Danner, who’s frequently stage director here, did her usual trick of bringing the set to life by giving the cast an abundance of detailed motion.... Her creativity was seen in everything, from groups like the soldiers in their comic drill routine to the meaningful use of a prop as seemingly insignificant as a hat.
Soprano Jane Redding, in her fourth production here, gave Adina a charming personality that was genuine and sincere, making her final scenes all the more touching.
Redding’s bright, cheerful sound matched her smiling face, just as her abundant runs and figuration suited her youthful spirit. The perfect mix of musical and acting skills made the character all the more endearing.
As Nemorino, the young man who adores Adina, tenor Joshua Kohl sang with a clear, appealing tone that matched his realistic behavior. He expressed his words with both fine diction and a clear sense of their meaning. That Kohl handled the considerable vocal challenges so well was impressive....
Todd Robinson, as Dr. Dulcamara, the medical quack pushing his potions, had a wonderful musical energy that drove things forward, particularly his fast-paced patter.
As the pompous Sgt. Belcore, Stephen Hartley let his every move show his vanity."
Edgar Loessin (Nov. 16, 2008; WHRO-FM):
"When the curtain rises, those ubiquitous operatic happy peasants set the tone for this delightful comedy about the sweet mysteries of love. Thanks to director Dorothy Danner the stage pulses with life. She takes each and every one of those peasants and soldiers and gives him or her a specific character. Then she arranges them in compositions worthy of a master painter. She does the same with the principals. She never allows the faintest trace of the singer who stands stiffly with hands folded neatly at the diaphragm. Her opera performers become accomplished actors who sing in any physical position the action may demand.
Unlike Noel Coward's "potency or power of cheap music" as a stimulus, this whimsical romantic tale goes its merry way with the help of cheap wine. Our hero, the innocent, naive Nemorino, brought to life in a performance that is both amusing and emotionally rich, by the most pleasing, and sure tenor voice of Joshua Kohl is madly in love with the attractive, coquettish Adina, sung by soprano Jane Redding. Her easy coloratura and her vivacious presence bring joy and warmth to this winning romantic romp.
Nemorino has a rival. He is the army sergeant Belcore, the very essence of braggadocio and self adoration, as performed by the skillful Stephen Hartley. Back to that cheap wine. It arrives like a deus ex machina pawned off as an elixir of love by the spell binding antics of the clever, quack Dr. Dulcamara, drawn with perfection by Todd Robinson. The potion, or elixir, plus several other factors ultimately combine to bring our lovers together for a happy ending. After all, this is classic opera buffa.
Eduardo Sicangco's picture frame set is most effective and Ruth Hutson lights it beautifully with Italian sunshine or moonlight, if needed. Conductor Joseph Walsh maintains a brisk presence in the orchestra that neatly helps and underscores the action
The 1998 production of ELIXIR was, as I recall, rather effete, with a fat cupid flitting about on wires. This Danner dish of delight is robust and full bodied like a good Italian red. I like it much better.
This is Edgar Loessin with Loessin at Large and I'll see you at the next opening."
Other News Items
> 11/13/08 - Listen to 'Il Trovatore' on WHRO-FM
> 11/10/08 - Maestro Peter Mark receives lifetime achievement award
> 11/05/08 - 'Elixir' a great opera for families
> 10/22/08 - New box office configuration at Richmond's Landmark Theater
> 10/14/08 - Il Trovatore: Video and reviews
> 10/13/08 - Trovatore stars visit GSA students
> 10/07/08 - Congratulations to JoAnn Falletta
> 09/25/08 - Listen to Voices from Backstage
> 09/22/08 - Peter Mark's 100th ...
> 09/14/08 - Opera and art: a perfect pairing
> 08/14/08 - Free study guides are now available
> 08/04/08 - [VIDEO] 2008-2009 Artist Preview
> 07/15/08 - Virginia Opera's own Joseph Walsh conducts in Italy this summer
> 05/12/08 - New Hampton Roads events website
> 04/07/08 - It's no lie – 'Pinocchio' is coming!
> 03/30/08 - Lucia di Lammermoor: In Review
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> 02/22/08 - [VIDEO] Educating with Opera!
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> 10/16/07 - Final performances of 'Hoffmann' in Richmond this weekend, see what the critics are saying!
> 10/03/07 - An interview with Hoffmann
> 09/27/07 - Tales of Hoffmann: video and more
> 09/21/07 - Listen to Virginia Opera for free
> 08/08/07 - 'Hoffmann' soprano getting rave reviews
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