Comic Opera The Elixir of Love plays in Peoria April 8

Bradley University’s Opera Workshop under the direction of Dr. Kerry Walters, and the Bradley Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Tim Semanik, will present Gaetano Donizetti’s opera The Elixir of Love on Friday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Dingeldine Music Center, located at 1417 W. Barker. 

First performed on May 12, 1832, this popular and often performed opera takes place on the estate of the wealthy and beautiful Adina.  In typical love triangle fashion the army sergeant Belcore and the country bumpkin Nemorino both vie for Adina’s affections. The plot is further complicated by the arrival of Dr. Dulcamara, an itinerant medicine woman, who arrives in the village selling her bottles of lotions and potions sure to cure the ills of all who buy them. Knowing that he cannot compete with Belcore’s soldierly appeal Nemorino spends all the money he has (which isn’t much!) on a bottle of special elixir that Dulcamara guarantees will make the young lad irresistible to women.  

Bradley voice students Seth Johnson and Jennifer Walker sing the roles of Nemorino and Adina, the reluctant lovers, with Ali Stachowicz singing the role of Dr. Dulcamara and baritone Alex Pullen as Sergeant Belcore. The cast is rounded out with a group of Adina’s friends and neighbors who watch and comment on the drama as it unfolds. 

Admission tickets are $5 for adults and will be available at the door.  Student tickets are free. Call 677-2601 for more information.