This week, L.A. Opera opens its 2009-2010 season with Donizetti's trusty, beloved comedy L'Elisir d'Amore. The bel canto masterpiece is a full-fledged hoot that has all the slapstick you could want, from a country bumpkin trying to woo a wealthy babe, to his blowhard rival and a conniving quack doctor, who concocts a “magic” potion, the “elixir of love,” that really sets the ball rolling. The production features the debuts of three prodigiously talented young singers: tenor Giuseppe Filianoti and bass Ruggero Raimondi make their L.A. Opera debuts as Nemorino and Dr. Dulcamara, and the fiery Georgian soprano Nino Machaidze makes her U.S. debut as Adina. Stephen Lawless directs the revival of his 1996 and 1999 productions of L'Elisir d'Amore, with music director James Conlon on the podium.

First Sunday of every month, 2 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 12, 6 p.m.; Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m. Starts: Sept. 6. Continues through Sept. 22, 2009

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