| Elixir of Love, Houston |
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The Elixir of Loveby Gaetano Donizetti Houston Grand Opera October 24, 2009 Houston, TX www.houstongrandopera.org  Ektarina Slurina (Adina) HGO Chorus. Photo: Felix Sanchez. Attention sensitive men of questionable self esteem, sometimes you get the girl, and if you are lucky, the money too. So it goes in Gaetano Donizetti's *The Elixir of Love*, a beloved “Melodramma giocoso.” Although Donizetti's prolific tendencies were legendary, we only know a handful of his operas. It's no wonder *Elixir* survived, it's short, sweet, chock full of colorful characters and includes one killer tenor tune that tears at your heartstrings just when you are least expecting. Houston Grand Opera opened their season with a rousing *Elixir*, packed with enough star power, charm, and soaring voices to get any opera lover on board for the treats that await them throughout the year. The tale of Nemorino's undying love for the learned Adina contains just enough of a plot to get us rooting for the smitten underdog. Even when the narcissistic Belacore woos her with his good looks and spiffy uniform, Adina can't quite get the heart-on-his-sleeve little guy out of her mind. Enter the con man, Dr. Dulcamara with his potion for love, and the usual hilarity ensues. And for added intrigue, Nemorino inherits a boatload of cash from his uncle. The cast—all terrific-- are particularly gifted in the comic timing category, a necessary component for any *Elixir.* John Osborn, in his HGO debut, bestows the smitten Nemorino with the right dose of bumbling humbleness, then pulls out all the stops for the famous aria, “Una furtiva lagrima” (a furtive tear). Osborn digs deep here, looking inward, and finding the heart and soul of this otherwise rompish opera. Russian soprano Ekaterina Siurina also makes a stunning HGO debut as Adina, bestowing the smart, land-owning girl with the confidence and bright sound necessary to pull off a believable change of heart. HGO studio alumnus Liam Bonner is all swagger as Belcore, the irresistible man in uniform. Bonner's commanding vocals and presence make a perfect fit for the self-obsessed soldier. Renowned Italian bass-baritone Allessandro Corbelli delivers a zesty and virtuositic performance as the quack conman doctor. Charles Gamble lends considerable talents in psychical theater as Dr. Dulcamara's assistant, ramping up the hilarity. Catherine Martin's Gianetta is rich with charm and substance as well. Annabel Arden directs with robust pace and an eye for physical comedy. Lez Brotherston sets his *Elixir* on what looks like a 1950s film set in an undisclosed quaint Italian village. Giuseppe di Iorio's lighting adds to the overall “stage within a stage” effect. Richard Bado, HGO's chorus master, and conductor Edoardo Muller contribute to the evening's sparkling polish. The curtain goes down on this bel canto treasure with a shower of pink confetti in a pitch perfect season opener. So let the meek survive, thrive and party on. Nancy Galeota-Wozny dancehunter.blogspot.com 832-326-5234 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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