Photo Flash: First Look at Ailyn Perez, Stephen Costello and More in Washington National Opera's THE ELIXIR OF LOVE

Gaetano Donizetti's The Elixir of Love (L'elisir d'amore) with libretto by Felice Romani, will open tomorrow, March 20, in its revival run through March 29 with the Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

In Donizetti's lovable comic opera, handsome peasant Nemorino has the misfortune to fall head over heels for fickle and feisty landowner Adina. Without money, he just can't compete with wealthy Sergeant Belcore, Adina's dashing yet pompous suitor.

Enter the elixir of love, peddled by an eccentric traveling quack, Doctor Dulcamara. Though it's only cheap table wine, Nemorino is convinced this "magical tonic" has now empowered him to win Adina's affections--even as her wedding to Sergeant Belcore leaps into full swing! Might his newfound confidence and uninhibited charm melt her heart after all?

One of the world's most frequently performed operas, The Elixir of Love is cherished for its whimsical wit and endearing characters, not to mention the many intoxicating duets and "Una furtiva lagrima," one of the most hauntingly beautiful of all tenor arias.

Fresh from WNO's Anna Bolena last fall, renowned British director Stephen Lawless returns with his warm and inspired take on Donizetti's masterpiece. The production also features an accomplished cast of new and familiar faces, along with young American conductor Ward Stare in his WNO debut.

Cast: Adina: Ailyn Pérez (3/20, 23, 26, 29), Sarah Coburn (3/22, 24, 25, 28); Nemorino: Stephen Costello (3/20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29), Daniel Montenegro (3/23 & 25); Sergeant Belcore: Simone Alberghini (3/20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29), Aleksey Bogdanov (3/23 & 25); and Doctor Dulcamara: Nicola Ulivieri (3/20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29), Peixin Chen (3/23 & 25).

Creatives: Conductor: Ward Stare; Director: Stephen Lawless; Set & Costume Designer: Johan Engels; and Lighting Designer: Joan Sullivan-Genthe.

Photo Credit: Scott Suchman for WNO

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