The Elixir of Love
JOHN RYCROFT
Opera South East are to stage a production of Donizetti’s comic opera, The Elixir of Love, at the White Rock Theatre. The story is, like that of most comic opera, the stuff of fairy tale or farce, but as always with opera, the music is not. Listen to the aria Una Furtiva Lagrima – a song sung by the hero when he notices a tear on the cheek of his beloved and passionately realises that the ‘potion’ may actually be working. You may find a furtive tear lingering on your own cheek.
Marcio Da Silva
Following her success with Opera South East’s production of Carmen in April 2023, artistic director Eleanor Strutt returns to the south coast to set this production in the early 1950s when Hastings local council have decided to promote the town as a seaside resort. They produce colourful leaflets and posters, all aimed at convincing potential holidaymakers that the town offers a glamorous alternative to what were still straitened post-war circumstances. The star of the new advertising campaign is the wealthy and attractive Adina, who loves being the centre of attention. She is pursued by two would-be suitors: the simple Nemorino and the cocky sergeant Belcore. When the spiv ‘Doctor’ Dulcamara visits the town with his miracle cures, Nemorino asks if he has an ‘Elixir of Love’. Ever the salesman, Dulcamara repurposes a bottle of cheap wine to the credulous Nemorino. But then, magically, the ‘elixir’ seems to have its desired effect.
Eleanor Strutt
Following Ken Roberts’ retirement after last April’s production, Opera South East have appointed Marcio da Silva as its Musical Director and Conductor. Marcio is well known to Hastings audiences, having made a huge contribution to the musical life of the town since his arrival in Hastings just over a decade ago. Members of Sussex Concert Orchestra will also continue their long and fruitful association with Opera South East.
The company is also delighted to welcome Helen May (also well known locally) to the cast for this production. She plays the role of Adina, with John Twitchen as the hapless Nemorino, and Eleanor Westbrook as Adina’s friend, Gianetta. A warm welcome is extended to Richard Woodall who returns to the company after a gap of eight years to play the part of the ‘good’ Dr Dulcamara, and Oshri Segev as Belcore. Cast your mind back to those sun-drenched beaches of the 1950s and enjoy the nostalgia of long ago!
‘The Elixir of Love’ is at the White Rock Theatre, Hastings, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 April at 7.30pm. Tickets from the White Rock Theatre at whiterocktheatre.org. If you are new to opera you can listen to a popular excerpt on tinyurl.com/mz3zz6mn. More about Opera South East can be found at operasoutheast.org.uk. An earlier Hastings Independent interview with Marcio da Silva is at hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/articles/culture/arts/baroque-and-roll
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