Dicapo in the News

Opera News Review
L'Elisir d'Amore

Delta David Grier
Opera News July, 1994

A delightful L'Elisir d'Amore closed Dicapo Opera's 1993-94 season on April 17. Michael Capasso, who updated Felice Romani's story to the American occupation of Italy during World War II, gave marvelous attention to detail - from the hilarious program notes, taken from the memoirs of Corporal "Mickev" Maggio, to the effective mix of Italian and colloquial English of the American soldiers to the 'variety of sub-lots among the villagers. Designer, John Farrell was responsible for a stunning set, an Italian square complete with fountain, trattoria and operative balconies, all beautifully crafted.

Highest musical accolades went to John Uhlenhopp, whose endearing Nemorino was sung with a beautiful, smooth tenor. As Adina, Doris Manville displayed sentiment musicality in her phrasing despite Sometimes strident tone and a weak lower register, while Gary Giardina performed the unscrupulous Dulcamara with flair.

Donizaetti's score seemed to pour straight from the heart of conductor Michael Recchiuti, who showed himself a consumate accompanist, but his musicians failed to respond in kind. The chorus dramatically always on cue, lacked musical precision and vitality, and the orchestra suffered from poor intonation, lack of uniform articulation and want of good ensemble playing. Still, the audience left the performance gratified.

Opera News, July 1994
Copyright © 1994 The Metropolitan Opera Guild, Inc.

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