DONN BROWN / Staff

Nemorino, (Matthew Chellis, New York City Opera) a shy and simple farmer begs his true love, Adina, (Jane Redding, Nashville Opera) not to merry another in "Elixir of Love", an opera performed by Naples Opera at Gulf Coast High on Feb. 29th.

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Opera may not be most kids’ first pick for their Ipods, but Opera Naples provided unique opportunity to coax a youthful appreciation for the art during Family Opera Day, Feb. 29, at Gulf Coast High School.

Students from public and private schools and members of the Boys & Girls Club were invited to “Elixer of Love,” featuring soprano Judith Blegen, a Naples resident, who once sang the lead role of Adina with famed tenor Luciano Pavarotti.

According to Opera Naples Artistic Director Steffanie Pearce, the cast lost two days of rehearsal for the school performances, but it was worth the chance to introduce youngsters to the relatively unfamiliar art of opera.

“In 2007, we exposed 1,500 to 2,000 children to a free matinee as part of our first music camp,” said Jaimie Woodland, assistant director of operations for Opera Naples. “Many kids don’t know too much about opera, and any exposure we can give to them is good.”

Written by Gaetano Donizetti, “Elixer of Love,” is colorful 19th century comic opera about the timeless struggle of men and women and unrequited love. The story reveals the plight of a love-sick, simple farmer named Nemorino, who is hopelessly in love with the village beauty, Adina, who has no time for him, regardless of how much he pines for her.

Then comes Dr. Dulcamara, with a “magic potion,” and Nemorino spends his last pennies to purchase and consume a vial, which Dulcamara says will take 24 hours to take effect. Dulcamara then flees town before everyone learns they have been fleeced.

“I think this opera was written 150 years ago, but it still has a story we can all relate to,” Pearce said.

Despite not being able to understand the Italian score, the young audience was able to comprehend the storyline through the action and Surtitles.

“It’s so good, and I like the excitement,” Community School student Darren Rackleff said, following the second act, which featured a multi-faceted marriage feast, a love triangle, a classically fretful notary and the hesitant signing of a marriage contract by the bride-to- be.

The show also scored big with the younger students, including five fifth graders from St. Elizabeth Seton School, whose teacher played the flute in the orchestra for the Opera Naples.

“I think at some parts it was really funny, and other parts were really serious,” said Katie Kokinda.

She marveled at the extensive set and the talents of lead tenor Matthew Chellis, who performed part of Nemorino, and soprano Jane Reading, who performed as Adina, his love interest.

“It was really fun to watch, as the music goes along with how they are talking,” said Patricia Ziewlinski, while chatting with her friends after the second act.

Now in its third year, one of the goals of Opera Naples is to establish a Young Artists Program and a Student Apprentice program to promote young singers entering the field of opera. The programs offer training and performance opportunities in the community.

Eight-year-old Luciano Marsalli is an example of young local talent. The home-school student was a big hit in last year’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” and in “Elixer of Love,” he shined as Dulcamara’s young assistant.

Opera Naples’ next presentation will be “Cosi Fan Tutte,” Friday and Sunday, Apr. 4 and 6, at Gulf Coast High School. The performance will be conducted by Lucy Arner and directed by Ira Siff.

For more information on Opera Naples, go online to: http://www.operanaples.com.