Not that our hero has many reasons to shed “lagrimas.”

Under the steady baton of Principal Conductor Richard Buckley, the orchestra whips through this one at a merry pace, and positively shone in solos, especially the bassoon in Nemorino’s second act aria, “Una Furtiva Lagrima.” Donizettis bubbly comedy has everything: a charming love story, a fast-talking con man, colorful new-to-Seattle costumes. Lovely pastel costumes by Susan Allred, as well. Perhaps there is the thought that because it is done so often, it can stand up to anything. It is a longstanding cornerstone of the company’s repertoire, even more so as one of the basic pieces current general director Anthony Freud has in regular rotation. The scene with Nemorino’s suprise suitors was especially worth savoring. The Elixir of Love was one of the earliest works performed at Lyric Opera, back in 1955, its second season. The big, buoyant ensemble (led by Marc David Erck) really gets put to work, and their enthusiasm helps carry the opera along its merry way. Gianetta (Austinite Sara Ann Mitchell) doesn’t have much of a part here, but her elegant soprano certainly made the most of her short solos. No slouch as an actor either, with good physicality and well-timed looks and movements. He’s a special singer, the sort whose golden tone follows him in his entire range, even in his quietest moments. Luckily, our hero is played by Rene Barbera, the San Antonio native with a world-class tenor (and a budding world-class career). Dulcamara Strummer’s bass voice radiates with character, but he was often falling behind the baton. Performance dates for The Elixir of Love are September 26, 29 and October 2, 5, and 8 at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N Wacker Dr., Chicago. Adina (soprano Sara Gartland) belted out some soaring phrases, but also voiced practically every line with a tight vibrato, to the point of sameness. âElixir of Loveâ premiered in 1832, but Lyric’s version, first performed at England’s Opera North, is both happy peasants and the flourishes of the aristocratic period. Music by Gaetano Donizetti Libretto by Felice Romani Eric Weimer, conductor Jerold Siena, director. This production’s voices had a mixed showing. Tryon Festival Theatre, November 6 - 9, 2014.

Lyric opera elixir of love