The Elixir of Love

Feb. 14-16, 8 p.m., Feb. 17, 2:30 p.m. , $22, Curtis Opera Theatre, 1726 Locust St., 215-893-7902, curtis.edu.

by Peter Burwasser

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Published: Feb 13, 2008

opera

It's remarkable how durable a goofy farce can be. Shakespeare comedies, done right, can still induce belly laughs. The bel canto-era Italian opera composers, too, seem to have hit upon some kind of universal comedic style sheet. Donizetti's The Elixir of Love was first heard in 1832, but still knocks 'em dead. The story is rather hackneyed: A poor young fellow falls hard for a gal far beyond his station, and in desperation, buys a love potion from a quack to win her over. On the reasonable premise that this is a timeless tale, the Curtis Opera Theatre updates the action to a modern television studio, with the object of desire, Adina, the station owner, and her hapless suitor, Nemorino, a lowly grip. The transformation of setting is aided by the venue, the Curtis black box theater, which already looks like a studio. This will be a fully staged version, with piano accompaniment. Ultimately, it is Donizetti's extraordinarily deft dramatic genius that carries the day. A good performance of Donizetti will work even if you close your eyes.

Feb. 14-16, 8 p.m., Feb. 17, 2:30 p.m. , $22, Curtis Opera Theatre, 1726 Locust St., 215-893-7902, curtis.edu.

 

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