By Sarah Re
At the DeJong Concert Hall in Provo, BYU School of Music is currently presenting Elixir of Love, an 1832 comic opera by Gaetano Donizetti. Early in its history, this classic was the most oft-performed work of its time in Italy and recently enjoyed renewed popularity as one of the most popular operas to perform between 2008 and 2013.
The opera takes place in a small Tuscan village in 1760, where Nemorino (Sam Utley) is desperately in love with the town beauty, Adina (Abigail Miles), who does not reciprocate his feelings. A big stir in town is caused when the soldiers come to town, led by the bold and “gallant” sergeant, Belcore (Fernando Rodriguez.) Belcore quickly becomes enamored of the beautiful yet aloof Adina, who enjoys the flirtation, but is not impressed by his wealth, confidence, and status. Nemorino becomes more and more distraught as he watches the woman he loves be swept away by the handsome sergeant, when, as luck would have it, Dr. Dulcamara (Isaac Carlin) comes to town touting all sorts of potions and elixirs. So the Elixir of Love is procured, and the zaniness begins.
The stage is filled with fabulous and incredibly talented singers. All parts, from leads to ensemble members, are vibrant and expressive with faceted, well-crafted characters.
Miles’ soprano soars flawlessly through aria after aria, infusing wit and charm into every phrase. Hyejoon Kim as Gianetta is absolutely hilarious, playing the role with perfect comedic timing and funny details infused into the background. Rodriguez makes for a perfect Belcore with his rich baritone and overconfident swagger. Utley shows off his range in one of the night’s best arias, which comes shortly after intermission, proving why he was such an apt choice for the role, in both musical and comedic abilities. Carlin also has the audience in stitches as he dupes the villagers with a nod and wink to the audience.
Director Joshua Lindsay brings together a masterful production, capturing the nuances of human behavior, which create vitality and life into the scenes. There is a balance to be found as an audience member between reading the subtitles and watching the onstage action, a balance witth which any regular opera-goer would be familiar. Watchers should be sure to pay attention, especially during group scenes, as a lot of the background character details are quite funny. Little moments come shining through nd re to be noticed and appreciated. The set, designed by Jared Patching, is beautiful and simple with wide step platforms that give dimension to the stage. The costumes, designed by Jessica Cowden, and hair and make up, designed by Denyce Hawk, are also beautiful and complement the overall design aesthetic of the piece.
Bear in mind that this is an opera, and as such, it has no dialogue and is sung completely in Italian. However, do not fear; there are easy-to-read subtitles and a plot summary included in the program. Additionally, the dramaturg, Daniel Mesta, has created a website with an extended program, which
includes a more in-depth summary, historical background, and biographies for the cast and creative team; it is easily accessed by a QR code on the back of the program. The ensemble does a fantastic job telling the story with their expression and body language though, making it appropriate even for younger audiences who might not be the best readers. Just bear in mind that audiences over age 6 years are welcome.
Don’t miss this delightful comedy about love and the human condition, filled with beautiful music and talented performers. BYU’s Elixir of Love will leave you elated.
*The principal characters, Nemorino, Adina, Belcore, Dulcamara, and Gianette are double cast. This is Cast A, who play June 12 & 14. Cast B plays June 13 & 15.
BYU School of Music presents Elixir of Love by Gaetano Donizetti
De Jong Concert Hall, BYU HFAC, 800 E Campus Drive, Provo, UT 84606
June 12- 15, 2019, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $7-12
Contact: 801-422-2981
Elixir of Love Facebook Event
BYU School of Music Facebook Page
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