Bob Jones University will perform “The Elixir of Love” March 3, 5 and 7 as part of the spring Concert, Opera and Drama Series. This opera was last produced by the university in 2005 and will feature a new set design, three guest artists and a 1950s twist on the 18th century story. It is directed by Mr. Jeffrey Stegall and will feature a live orchestra conducted by the new dean of the School of Fine Arts and Communication, Dr. Michael Moore.
“The Elixir of Love” is a comedic opera in two acts written by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti in 1832. Donizetti wrote more than 70 operas and is considered to be among the most important composers of the bel canto opera style, which emphasizes lyrical beauty, particularly through arias. The university will use the English translation of the opera by Ruth and Thomas Martin. The opera tells the story of Nemorino as he attempts to win the heart of the beautiful Adina. Fearing that Adina will fall for Sergeant Belcore, Nemorino drinks Dr. Dulcamara’s love potion to see if the peddler’s elixir will win Adina
The opera’s assistant director, Elijah Gleiter, is thrilled that opera is returning to the BJU artist series rotation after a multi-year hiatus.
“The art form of opera is worthy of sharing and exploring,” Gleiter said.
“The Elixir of Love” may be the majority of the student body’s first experience with opera, but they need not feel intimidated. Gleiter considers it a steppingstone into the art form of opera.
“We’ve modernized it, we’re singing it in English, we’ve cut it down to under two hours,” Gleiter said. “I think it’s very digestible for a beginner coming into opera.”
The production will feature about 30 students and alumni in the townsfolk and soldiers’ choruses. Most of these students auditioned last spring or early this fall, and many are experienced with one or more of the BJU choirs. The opera will also feature the talents of four professional leads.
Dr. Megan Stapleton is returning to the Rodeheaver stage as Adina, the soprano part. Dr. Stapleton appeared recently at BJU as Maria in “The Sound of Music” and as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast.” She serves as assistant professor of voice studies at BJU and has performed at the Houston Grand Opera and the Lincoln Center.
Guest artist Mr. William Davenport will be performing the tenor part, Nemorino. A 2015 graduate of Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts, Mr. Davenport has an extensive operatic repertoire and has performed with major opera companies worldwide. His experience includes leading roles in “Rigoletto,” “Lucia di Lammermoor,” “La Traviata” and others. He has won international opera competitions such as the triennial Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition.
Returning guest artist Mr. Timothy Renner will play the baritone part of Sergeant Belcore. Mr. Renner is a BJU alumnus and has performed with opera companies such as the New National Theatre Tokyo and Opera Tampa. He also played Figaro in “Mozart and Figaro in Vienna,” a movie filmed entirely in Florence, Italy, produced by Hershey Felder.
GRAMMY and MAC Award winner Adelmo Guidarelli, one of the opera world’s most sought-after singing actors, will play Dr. Dulcamara. A voting member of the Recording Academy, Guidarelli has appeared with leading opera companies and festivals in a dozen countries. He has recorded multiple award-winning albums and has appeared on television. Previous roles include Don Pasquale, Dulcamara, Falstaff, Gianni Schicchi, Bartolo, Don Magnifico and numerous others. Guidarelli is known internationally for his humor and charismatic performances of Italian roles.
