The Elixir of Love

11-21 August | Gaetano Donizetti / Felice Romani
Merlyn Theatre, CUB Malthouse

A bottle of wondrous potion (most likely snake-oil),a furtive tear, a gullible youth, a gorgeous girl and gloriously fresh music all combine to bring Donizetti's witty confection to life in the intimate setting of the Merlyn Theatre.

Two sparkling casts feature favourite Melbourne artists such as David Hobson, Antoinette Halloran, Roger Lemke, Roger Howell and conductor Warwick Stengards as they join forces with some of opera's brightest rising stars, including Operatunity Oz finalist Roy Best and, fresh from her debut at Covent Garden, brilliant young, soprano Elena Xanthoudakis. Acclaimed British director Stephen Medcalf returns to Australia to direct his signature production of this hilarious work.

Warwick Stengards - Conductor
Stephen Medcalf - Director
Isabella Bywater - Set & Costume Designer
Mark Howett - Lighting Designer

Victorian Opera Chorus
Orchestra Victoria

Cast 11, 13, 15, 17, 20 August
David Hobson - Nemorino
Antoinette Halloran - Adina
Christopher Tonkin - Sergeant Belcore
Roger Lemke - Dulcamara
Danielle Calder - Giannetta

Cast 12, 14, 16, 19, 21 August
Roy Best - Nemorino
Elena Xanthoudakis - Adina
Samuel Dundas - Sergeant Belcore
Roger Howell - Dulcamara
Danielle Calder - Gianetta