Salome Jicia leading Seattle Opera's "buoyant" production of 'The Elixir of Love'

Georgian soprano Salome Jicia is leading a bill of Seattle Opera's take on The Elixir of Love, a production celebrated for its display of "buoyant comic relief and joyous singing" following its opening shows over the past weekend.

Cast in all six shows of the staging inviting opera enthusiasts to the venue's McCaw Hall through August 20, Jicia is marking her debut at the theatre with the role of Adina in Gaetano Donizetti's classic juxtaposing romance with comedy.

In her role, the Georgian singer is partnered by a line-up that includes tenors Andres Acosta as Nemorino and Amitai Pati, who are alternating in the role of Nemorino, while baritone Rodion Pogossov (as Belcore) and bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni (Dulcamara) are bringing further characters to the stage. Soprano Tess Altiveros is selected as Giannetta in the production.

The two-hour, 40-minute show has been celebrated by the Seattle Times for its potential in reinvigorating audiences following extended breaks enforced by the pandemic, with the publication dubbing the opening bills as a "sparkling and witty production with some terrific performers".

The three principals, all in their Seattle Opera debuts, were vocally and dramatically superb. Acosta and Jicia, both high-energy and believable actors, were well matched in terms of vocal brilliance and agility

- The Seattle Times

The current production of the Donizetti work features Giampaolo Bisanti as the conductor leading the venue's orchestra, with Stephen Lawless working as stage director and Michaella Calzaretta as chorus master.

Lighting design for the performances has been devised by Thomas Hase, with Ashley Martin-Davis contributing set and costume design.

Jicia is cast in all six shows of the bill, which will host audiences in four more performances at the Seattle venue.