Review: L'Elisir d'Amore"L’Elisir d’Amore: Gaetano Donizetti's comic opera is set in the 1950s in New Jersey Opera Theater's production"Princeton Packet (Stuart Duncan) Gaetano Donizetti filled his comic opera L'Elisir d'Amore (The Elixir of Love) with such bubbly, effervescent music that one wonders what he might have given us had he lived a century later and written for the Broadway stage. Number after number is lovingly shaped by a theatrical sense that would be the envy of even the best composer/lyricist teams. New Jersey Opera Theater has chosen L'Elisir as its second production of the summer season, and director David Grabarkewitz seemingly has imagined such a possibility. He has moved the opera a century forward to the 1950s, and set the scene in small-town America to unfold the delicious tale of the search for the appropriate aphrodisiac to spark romantic desire. He bounces the action between the formality of 1950s office conduct and the casual life of commuters at play. Donizetti knew exactly when to deepen the comedy to telling effect, and librettist Felice Romani knew how to keep an audience interested in watching a wealthy, pretty, literate girl come to the realization that the lad she thinks is a dolt really can offer her the one thing she needs most — simple and adoring love. Director Grabarkewitz approaches the material as if it were How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. He introduces his shy, bumbling hero, clad in a trim business suit, but with gray socks decidedly askew. He brings the lecherous villain on stage like a confident bullfighter entering the ring. He has great help from set designer Ron Kadri, who has a knack for creating extraordinary images with minimum fuss or props. When Dulcamara, the sorcerer, enters with his elixir, he arrives with an Italian ice pushcart. Patricia Hibbert's costuming is smack on (she has the opportunity to really shine with Cosi Fan Tutte). Here she develops 1950s commuterwear. And the talented company takes it from there. New Jersey Opera Theater is known for finding young singers, just on the cusp of important careers and offering them roles that will challenge. For this production they found five. Corinne Brier sings the role of Adina; a New Jersey native, she has a lovely voice to accompany fine acting. Scott Schumpert, who sings the role of the arrogant Belcore, comes from Oklahoma. Soprano Rinnat Moriah, who sings Gianetta, is a native of Israel. Michael Fabiano from Philadelphia has a strong stage presence along with his superb tenor voice, and steals your heart as Nemorino, the bumbling would-be suitor. And Stephanos Tsirakoglou, who appeared in last season's The Barber of Seville, sings Dulcamara. Brent McMunn conducts with a delicious sense of humor and great regard for the singers. |
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