"Elixir," at the Alberta Bair Theater March 28 and 30, spins the tale of Nemorino, a love-struck peasant in a country village who swoons at the sight of the free-spirited Adina, a beautiful and wealthy landowner. A traveling peddler appears with an enchanted love potion. Nemorino empties his bank account to buy the elixir, hoping it will gain him her love. Unexpected results, which Nemorino credits to the potion, throw the characters into chaos.

Billings' own Alissa Rose, an internationally known soprano, sings the capricious Adina. Jeffrey Kitto debuts with Rimrock Opera as the passionate peasant who sacrifices all for her love. Belcore, the arrogant officer competing for Adina's hand, is sung by Chris Johnson who also claims Billings roots. The devious medicine peddler, Dr. Dulcamara, one of opera’s greatest comic roles, is sung by Bradley Thompson of Central City Opera. Carolyn Coefield, a Montanan now on the faculty at Rocky Mountain College, debuts as Giannetta, a village girl. Rimrock Opera General Director Douglas Nagel directs.

Long a favorite of Billings opera fans, Barbara Day Turner visits once again to conduct "Elixir." Founder and artistic director of San José Chamber Orchestra, Turner's baton will lead a full orchestra of local artists. Dr. Chris Sheppard of MSU-Billings is chorus master.

Opening night performance, March 28, is at 7:30 p.m. On March 30, the matinée curtain is at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the Alberta Bair Theater box office or the Rimrock Opera Web site, www.rimrockopera.org.
Alberta Bair Theater
P. O. Box 1556
Billings, Montana 59103
(406) 256-6052
www.albertabairtheater.org
# # #