Metropolitan Opera in HD: L’Elisir d’Amore

It was a breath of fresh air as things took to a comedic turn with screening of the Gaetano Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater). This screening was the latest in the series of Metropolitan Opera productions shown in high definition over at the CCP and it was a welcome change from the tragic operas (Aida and Rigoletto) by Giuseppe Verdi that were shown previously.

Watching this opera felt like I was watching a contemporary romantic comedy film with all the familiar elements and trappings of the genre. Russian soprano Anna Netrebko portrays Adina, the strong willed farm owner which I think might be a very radical notion at the time. Pining for her is the simple Nemorino portrayed by Tenor Matthew Polenzani who thinks that the woman he adores is too unreachable for the likes of him. Making things more complicated for Nemorino is the entry of a rival who also longs for Adina, sergeant Belcore, portrayed by baritone Mariusz Kwiecień. Nemorino thinks that he has found a solution through the love potion made by the quack Dulcamara, played by Ambrogio Maetsri. But in true comedy fashion, things do not usually work out as planned since the potion is nothing more than cheap wine. More complications arise offering more comedic moments for an intoxicated Nemorino. But in the end, everything is settled and falls into place without any casualties and everybody lives happily ever after.

One cannot talk about L’Elisir d’Amore without mentioning Una furtiva lagrima, the show stopping aria sung by Nemorino during the second act when he realizes that Adina might have already started falling in love with him. This particular scene was very picturesque as Nemorino sang it amid the wheat fields in the middle of the night. In fact, this production is defined by the sets that looked like paintings done in rustic and earthy tones by set designer Michael Yeargan. My only complaint regarding the sets was that some of the transitions were distracting especially when some of the characters were removing and placing set pieces while there was still something happening with the main characters on stage.

The behind the scenes footage in this production was hosted by soprano Deborah Voigt. I think that the most interesting tidbit that they showed in here was the preparation of actual food that was used as props during the banquet scene. And sadly, I noticed that it was only Adina/Netrebko who was able to grab a bite of the chicken served during this scene. Excerpts from upcoming opera productions were also shown but sadly, they aren’t included in the line up to be screened at the CCP.

This Metropolitan Opera production of L’Elisir d’Amore was directed by Bartlett Sher directed while the orchestra was conducted by Maurizio Benini. The remaining Metropolitan Opera in HD screenings at the CCP are Maria Stuarda showing on July 9, 2013 and The Tempest showing on August 20, 2013.