Adina and Nemorino or The Elixir of Love

Adina and Nemorino. They seem meant for each other, and yet: Adina is smart, proud—and just a little bit conceited. Nemorino is friendly, dreamy—and quite shy. Both have hearts that are actually screaming “Love!” at the top of their lungs, but unfortunately, their heads are throwing a wrench in their plans. Nemorino thinks he isn’t good enough for Adina. And Adina thinks a simple country boy could never be her boyfriend. What to do? Luckily, there’s Dulcamara. He sells this and that and much more besides. Besides, Dulcamara, so they say, is said to have all sorts of miracle cures and magic potions at his disposal. Or does he perhaps simply have a sympathetic ear, plenty of wisdom, and a keen sense for matters of the heart?

Grand opera in a small format. Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore—which premiered on May 12, 1832, in Milan—is one of the most popular operas in the bel canto repertoire. In this version specially adapted for children, there is talking and singing, crying and smiling: emotions run wild when our first great love awakens within us. And of course, the immortal melodies of this great Italian composer are a must! We witness how courage grows, prejudices fade, and how a little nudge at the right time can make a big difference. Because sometimes, the true elixir of love is simply good advice and belief in oneself.