FLORENTINE OPERA’S NEW PRODUCTION OF GAETANO DONIZETTI’S ROMANTIC COMEDY L’ELISIR D’AMORE (THE ELIXIR OF LOVE) COMES TO THE STAGE MAY 8 AND 10 – DIRECTED BY BILL FLORESCU
“This original Florentine production features new staging, scenery, costumes, lighting
with a cast of acclaimed singing actors, the voices of the Florentine Opera Chorus,
and the live music of Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.”
On May 8 and 10, 2015, the 81st Season of the Florentine Opera Company comes to a close with a new Florentine production of Gaetano Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love) –
Soprano Diana McVey (Countess Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro, 2013) returns to the Florentine as the flirtatious Adina alongside tenor Rolando Sanz (Alfredo Germont in La Traviata, 2013) as the lovesick Nemorino. Baritone Corey McKern (Marcello in La Bohème 2014) returns as Sergeant Belcore, and South African bass Musa Ngqungwana makes his Florentine debut in the role of Dr. Dulcamara. Florentine principal conductor Joseph Rescigno (Florentine productions dating back to 1981) conducts the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Florentine Opera Chorus for this original production directed by General Director William Florescu.
“This classic story of playful imposters, mistaken love, and magical concoctions comes to life in a vibrant and entertaining new production of Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love. Full of whimsical wit and charm, the Florentine’s 81st season will close with one of opera’s most beloved romantic comedies, set amidst early 20th Century wine country.” stated William Florescu.
TICKETS: Single ticket prices begin at just $30. Dine-in Pre-Opera Lunch and Dinner packages are also available with free parking and champagne reception. For more information on ordering ticket packages visit www.florentineopera.org or call (414) 291-5700 ext. 224 or 1-800-32 OPERA.
PERFORMANCE / EVENT INFORMATION
WHAT: L’ELISIR D’AMORE (THE ELIXIR OF LOVE) by Gaetano Donizetti
(Sung in Italian with English translations displayed above the stage)
WHEN: Mothers Day Weekend
Friday, May 8, 2015 @ 7:30 PM (Pre-Opera Dinner @ 5:30PM)
Sunday, May 10, 2015 @ 2:30 PM (Pre-Opera Lunch @ 12:30PM)
WHERE: All performances are held in Uihlein Hall at Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 North Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
CAST:
Stage Director / William Florescu (General Director- beginning his 11th year with the organization)
Conductor / Joseph Rescigno (conducting from the score of his uncle, famed conductor Nicola Rescigno)
Nemorino / Rolando Sans (Tenor)
Adina / Dianna McVey (Soprano)
Sergeant Belcore / Corey McKern (Baritone)
Dr. Dulcamara / Musa Ngqungwana* (Bass)
Giannetta / Lindsay Metzger
Resident Solti Fellow Conductor / Sean Newhouse
SUPERS: Judy Anderson, John Atlee, Nancy Tawney
FLORENTINE OPERA CHORUS:
Nancy Davis
Nancy McIntire
Randolph Montijo
Aaron Short
Lauren Decker
Edson Melendez
Kristin Ngchee
Kevin Siembor
Allison Hull
Shelly S. Melendez
Shannon Rolbiecki
Pablo Siqueiros
You-Seong Kim
Alexander Mersman
Bryan Ross
John A. Stumpff
Benjamin James
Alan Miller
Timothy W. Schmidt
Brianne Sura
CREATIVE TEAM and CREW:
Set Designer:
Lisa Schlenker
Chorus Master:
Scott S. Stewart
Costumes Designer:
Christianne Myers
Production Pianist:
Yasuko Oura
Lighting Designer:
Don Darnutzer
Diction Coach:
Darwin Sanders
Wig and Makeup Designer:
Dawn Rivard
Stage Manager:
Lisa Kelly
Supertitle Prompter:
Tamara Jasinski
Assistant Stage Manager:
Cody Symanietz
Supertitles:
Dyan Yoder
Assistant Stage Manager:
Miranda Wilson
ELIXIR EVENTS:
Meet the playful imposters, experience the mistaken love, and drink the magical concoction that is The Elixir of Love. Join the Florentine Opera for all of the fun, engaging events leading up to the performances of Donizetti’s great romantic comedy:
Opera Insights – a FREE discussion/performance event featuring Corliss Phillabaum, Professor of Theater at UW Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts taking a closer look at The Elixir of Love. This informative, 45-minute program provides a detailed synopsis, background on the opera and live performances of arias, duets and small ensembles by the Florentine Opera Studio Artists.
Saturday, April 18, 2015 -12:30PM
at the Wauwatosa Public Library (7635 West North Ave. Wauwatosa, WI 53213)
Camerata Opera Party – Enjoy cash bar & delectables, with arias & songs from The Elixir of Love at this FREE event. Learn more about this opera and the artists at the BAR-TALK (featuring Corey McKern) – hosted by the Florentine Camerata (an LGBTQ affinity group).
Sunday, April 26, 2015 – 7:00PM
at Movida (524 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204)
Meet the Artists (wine tasting event) – Meet the acclaimed artists before the opera, and be among the first to taste the Florentine’s Elixir (a Napa Valley red) with small plates – hosted by Dr. Peter and Dr. Karen Drescher in their lake country home (call for tickets/RSVP before Apr. 27).
Saturday, May 2, 2015 – 6:30PM
Pre-Opera Dining – Enjoy a fantastic dinner in the Marcus Center prior to the opera performances Opera, parking and dinner packages available (call for purchase/RSVP before May 5).
May 8, 2015 – 6PM -or- May 10, 2015 – 1PM
Talk-Opera – Corliss Phillabaum, Professor of Theater at UW Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts, talks about The Elixir of Love one hour before curtain, for all ticket holders. Professor Phillabaum keeps Florentine audiences returning to the Anello Atrium, for his unique perspective at each opera’s lecture. Talk-Opera is FREE with each ticket purchase.
May 8, 2015 – 6:30PM -or- May 10, 2015 – 1:30PM at the Marcus Center (929 N Water St., WI 53202)
INFORMATION / INTERVIEWS
For additional biographies or to schedule an interview, please contact Richard Clark, Director of Marketing & Communications, by telephone at 414/291.5700 ext 213, or via email at rclark@florentineopera.org.
ABOUT THE FLORENTINE OPERA COMPANY
The Florentine Opera Company’s productions reflect the highest musical and theatrical standards, while supporting community and educational programs. As a leader in Wisconsin’s art community and the nation’s sixth-oldest opera company, the Florentine Opera seeks to establish a significant presence in the cultural, educational and civic life of the state of Wisconsin and beyond. Audiences enjoy beautiful main stage productions that include first-rate vocal artistry brought to life by established and emerging international, national and local opera stars. With a foundation of fiscal responsibility, the company continues to grow its artistic and educational programs. Through its outreach and in-school educational programming, the Florentine provides vital arts education experiences for children, nurtures new audiences, and expands cultural horizons for the next generation. The Florentine Opera is a cornerstone member organization of the United Performing Arts Fund and receives funds from Milwaukee County and the State of Wisconsin, as well as support from corporations, foundations and individuals. The Florentine Opera Company is an organizational member of OPERA America.
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