Stanislavsky Theatre
| 1 December |
| 19:00 |
| 2025 | Monday |
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Russian Opera Stars at the Stanislavski Theatre
Gaetano Donizetti "L’elisir d’amore" Opera in 2 acts Opera |
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Credits |
Music by Gaetano Donizetti
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Performed in Italian Premiere of this production: 25 Jul 1998 The performance has 1 intermission Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes
The Stanislavsky Theatre, located in XIX century historical building just 750 metres (9-minute walk) from the Bolshoi, presents Gaetano Donizetti’s sparkling opera L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love) — a masterpiece of bel canto filled with brilliance, charm, and irresistible melodies. The production features distinguished artists who have performed on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre and trained at the same prestigious academies as Bolshoi Theatre performers. Their mastery ensures a performance of the highest level, offering audiences the unique atmosphere of true world-class artistry. Opera at the Stanislavsky Theatre is the great and affordable alternative to the Bolshoi. Donizetti himself defined the work as a melodramma giocoso — a “comic melodrama” — where lyrical tenderness and playful buffoonery intertwine seamlessly. At its heart lies one of the most famous arias in the operatic repertoire, Nemorino’s romance Una furtiva lagrima. Many will instantly recognize this aria, which brings a touch of heartfelt sincerity to the comic tale.
The story unfolds with a timeless love intrigue: the shy Nemorino is hopelessly in love with the radiant Adina, who at first rejects his affection. The arrival of the swaggering sergeant Belcore and the crafty quack doctor Dulcamara sets the stage for a whirlwind of comic misunderstandings. In the end, true love prevails, and the opera concludes with joy and triumph.
Ludmila Naletova’s production, first staged a quarter of a century ago, has become one of the long-lasting treasures of the Moscow opera stage. Over the years, casts have changed, but the audience’s affection for this radiant, sunlit opera remains unwavering. SynopsisAct One
The sun is blazing! The harvest is ripe! The magical air of Italy makes heads and hearts spin (and even tunes operatic voices). Nemorino sighs and pines. He is hopelessly in love with the beautiful Adina. And she? She keeps reading literary masterpieces. Today it is the tragic story of Tristan and Isolde. From it, Nemorino learns about a love potion. That is what will help him! But where can he find such a marvelous potion?
Into the very village where Nemorino suffers, a troop of soldiers marches in triumphantly, led by the gallant Sergeant Belcore. Without hesitation, he offers Adina his hand and heart. Nemorino is troubled. But the young woman only laughs: “Love is madness! Be cured of it, Nemorino—it is so easy!”
The village is thrown into commotion. A strange and mysterious Doctor Dulcamara arrives. He heals illnesses and misfortunes with the aid of his miraculous elixir. “Heaven has sent it to me!” rejoices Nemorino. Tasting the drink (just plain young wine, between us), Nemorino grows merry and self-assured. Adina hardly recognizes the former lovesick simpleton. Could it be that Nemorino has so quickly recovered from love? Well, that remains to be seen. A plan for revenge swiftly takes shape in Adina’s mind. Sergeant Belcore continues his siege of Adina’s heart. An unexpected order for the troop to leave the village hastens events: Adina surrenders—her wedding will be today. “Not today!” pleads Nemorino, for the potion is supposed to work only tomorrow. The whole village mocks him.
Act Two
The regimental band resounds. Songs! Dances! A wedding! But the wedding feast is not sweet for Adina. She had dreamed that Nemorino would choke on this culinary masterpiece, drowning it in bitter tears. Yet he is nowhere to be found. To Belcore’s surprise, Adina does not hurry to sign the marriage contract.
…Poor Nemorino now relies only on the love potion. But where can he get the money to buy another bottle—or better yet, two or three? Unexpectedly, the hated rival himself offers it. Nemorino must enlist as a soldier—by signing the contract, he will receive the coveted scudi. Adina is worth such a sacrifice. He will win her love, if only for an hour!
Oh, women! They always learn everything first. Giannetta brings astonishing news—Nemorino has become a millionaire! His uncle has died and left his entire fortune to his beloved nephew. Filled to the brim with the “love potion,” Nemorino is astonished to find himself surrounded by admiring young women. “What has happened to the girls? Could it be that the potion has begun to work? And Adina is here too! Well then, let her also learn what true love is—not the bookish kind!”
Adina is ready to do anything to win back Nemorino’s love. Dulcamara offers her the magical potion. No! Adina trusts in her own charms.
…Night melts away… The stars fade… Nemorino dreams. Adina listens to Nemorino’s singing and weeps with happiness. “Know this, Nemorino—I love you! Here is your contract—you will not go to the army.” Nemorino is overjoyed! He is certain that the love potion has helped him.
In the midst of love’s declarations, Belcore appears. The sergeant does not grieve too much over Adina’s betrayal: “Thousands of women dream of Belcore’s love!” All join together in praise of the Doctor and his Love Potion.
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Main Stage
1 Teatralnaya ploschad (1 Theatre Square), Moscow, Russia
New Stage
Bol'shaya Dmitrovka Street, 4/2, Moscow, Russia
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