Elixir of Love brings opera comedy to Von Braun Center

In April, Huntsville will be treated to a fully-staged production of Donizetti’s Elixir of Love–a hilarious opera in two acts–by Opera Huntsville. The first show will take place at the The VBC Playhouse April 22 and will run through April 24.

Elixir of Love is what is known as an “opera buffa,” the beloved old Italian tradition of opera comedy, which comes from adding music to the even older Italian tradition of improvised comedy, “commedia dell’arte.”

For those not familiar with the performance, here are a few tidbits:

Language: Italian with English supertitles (like subtitles, but different)

Length: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Opening night, 6-6:30PM: check out the pre-performance lecture by Oakwood University voice faculty Dr. Julie Moore-Foster and SDC union stage director Joey Frangieh.

A Huntsville local leads the cast of Elixir of Love

Huntsville’s Brandie Sutton stars as Adina in this three-performance run of the famous and comedic opera. In the show, Nemorino, a young villager, is unhappily in love with the beautiful farm owner Adina, who he thinks is out of his league, so to speak. He tries a magic love potion hoping to win her affection. The plot thickens as Nemorino continues to vie for Adina’s attention.

In addition to Sutton, the cast and crew make up an impressive ensemble:

Music director: Roberto Burton, leading the chamber orchestra

Chorus master: Shane Kennedy

Cast members:

• Camron Gray: Glimmerglass artist + famous tenor
• Rachel Gibson: mezzo
• Joylyn Rushing: soprano
• Chris Farley: baritone

Stage director: Joey Frangieh

Production Manager: Sierra Hammond

Showtimes and location

Showtimes for Elixir of Love, playing at The Playhouse at the Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe St. SW:

• Friday, April 22 at 7PM, with a pre-performance lecture from 6-6:30PM
• Saturday, April 23 at 7PM
• Sunday, April 24 at 2PM

Tickets for the show are $65 for VIP, $28 for general admission $23 for seniors and$15 for students,

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