Another sellout anticipated for Front Royal opera

Impresario David Freese and restaurateur Vincenzo Belvia of Front Royal’s “Osteria 510 Italian Kitchen” announced the opening of a third operatic season in the town this week – Friday evenings, March 29 and April 5.

Described by Til Turner, a former staff member at Middletown’s now closed Wayside Theatre, as “hilarious”, the current attraction is “Elixir of Love,” not one of the world’s best known operas, according to Freese who, with others, was not immediately familiar with the plot line but surmised “some kind of love potion” and “a lot of fun!” He came back later with the information that it is “a light-hearted romantic romp, based on the tale of Tristan and Isolde.”

Already the presentation is receiving a lot of attention and early reservations (540-631-1101) are encouraged. To date, all operatic performances have resulted in SRO crowds.

As a diversion from “opera night” this summer, Freese announced “a night of Broadway tunes” in May. This production is in response to many requests since the musical comedy fare was first mooted a year or so ago.

Favorite local stars Melissa Chavez, soprano, and Nick Carratura, tenor, as well as Elliot Matheny, will be joined by two as yet unnamed operatic virtuosos in “Elixir.” Accompanist is the ever-popular and talented Jan Wagner of Shenandoah University. The evening includes a four-course dinner as well as the show which begins on both nights at 6 p.m.