Santa Fe Opera presents “Elixir of Love” – review

The Santa Fe Opera 2024 season has a few performances remaining this year. Located at 301 Opera Dr, Santa Fe, New Mexico, this gorgeous live theater space is open air and elegantly beautiful. Go here for more detailed information about attending the Santa Fe Opera. Pre-show (and during intermission) you can enjoy any one of the many cozy little bars and verandahs positioned around this beautifully appointed venue.

Additionally, there’s usually a pre-show 30-minute talk that is complimentary to ticket holders and held in the venue’s Stieren Orchestra Hall approximately one hour before ‘curtain up.’ Totally worth getting to the venue early for that insightful and fun experience.

Above photo: Alfredo Daza (Dulcamara), the Santa Fe Opera Chorus, photo by Curtis Brown for the Santa Fe Opera.

L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love) is a melodramma giocoso (a comic melodrama, aka opera buffa) in two acts by the Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti. Felice Romani wrote the Italian libretto, after Eugène Scribe‘s libretto for Daniel Auber‘s Le philtre (1831). The opera premiered on 12 May 1832 at the Teatro della Canobbiana in Milan, Italy.

A thoroughly charming Italian opera performed in two acts, the work is known for its engaging story, memorable melodies, and lighthearted atmosphere. Unrequited love, hilarious confusion and the inevitable yet welcome romantic happy ending make for a delightful evening.

The story is set in a small Italian village and revolves around a young and naïve peasant named Nemorino (tenor) and his unrequited love for the wealthy and beautiful Adina (soprano). Nemorino believes that Adina is out of his reach and becomes desperate to win her affection.

Stephen Lawless directs a revival of Santa Fe Opera’s 2009 production, updating the setting to an Italian village circa 1945. Former apprentice singer Jonah Hoskins performs Nemorino, Chilean soprano Yaritza Véliz sings the role of Adina and former apprentice singer Luke Sutliff is Belcore.

Nemorino, a not-so-clever mechanic, has fallen for Adina, a school teacher. He desires her attention, but doesn’t feel worthy of her. Fortunately, he meets Dr. Dulcamara (most certainly a quack “doctor”) who sells him a “magic elixir” that promises to make his dreams come true.

From the press release.

Under the direction of Stephen Lawless, the show is lively and fun. Beautiful staging and expert direction crafts an engaging performance. From the leads to the ensemble, the voices are sublime and world-class.

Simple scenic design permits the view of the sunset behind the action and the cool breeze that springs up after sunset elevates the room with its welcome fresh breezes. Scenic and Costume design by Ashley Martin-Davis.

Elixir of Love is certainly one of the most hilarious operas I’ve ever enjoyed, thanks to great attention to detail from director Stephen Lawless. I noticed in particular the various bits of performers’ ‘business’ such as Jonah Hoskins as the love-lorn mechanic Nemorino musically bouncing his spare car wheel before affixing it to his red sports car, or Yaritza Véliz as Adina filing her nails and tapping her toe to indicate impatience. Women (in the chorus and of the village) painting each other’s legs to fake the seams of silk stockings was another great moment of post-WWII authentic period detail as part of the chorus activity. Such attention to detail meant that the amusing intricacies of the plot were well-expressed throughout.

English (or Spanish) language translation (surtitles) are displayed on a small panel directly in front of your seat, which is an ingenious design. You select the touchscreen to turn it on, and also to select the language, so it’s optional, but unfortunately not all the little screens appeared to be functioning. Mine was, but my companion’s screen wouldn’t respond. We tried again after intermission and found it worked for Act Two, so no big deal.

Some dramatic lighting enhanced a few of the powerful moments of the show, but there was definitely a light flavor throughout. Lighting design by Thomas C. Hase.

The Elixir of Love is a quintessential example of Donizetti’s comic operas. It features lively and engaging music, with an emphasis on lyrical melodies and humorous situations. The opera’s charm lies in its simplicity and the delightful interplay between the characters.

Widely performed today, this classic masterpiece is cherished for its beautiful arias and its humorous, heartwarming storyline. Its success can be attributed to Donizetti’s skillful composition and the opera’s ability to appeal to audiences with its relatable characters and engaging plot.

Two performance of Elixir of Love remain: Wed, August 14, 2024, 8:00 pm, and Thurs, August 22, 2024, also at 8:00 pm. Purchase tickets to this and other operas in the 2024 season at the Santa Fe Opera’s box office or website for the most up-to-date details on rush ticket pricing and remaining availability for the 2024 season.