Toledo Opera to present The Elixir of Love for the first time since 1985

Published Thursday, January 15, 2026

Toledo Opera will present Gaetano Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Valentine Theatre, 400 North Superior, Toledo, Ohio. Presented over Valentine’s Day weekend, Toledo Opera’s new production of The Elixir of Love marks the company’s first staging of the beloved opera since 1985. This long-anticipated return celebrates Donizetti’s sparkling romantic comedy with a distinguished cast of returning favorites and accomplished artists, underscoring Toledo Opera’s ongoing commitment to artistic excellence. Overflowing with warmth, humor, and memorable music, The Elixir of Love offers the perfect operatic experience for the most romantic weekend of the year. Toledo Opera will also host a free Pre-Opera Talk one hour before each show in the Grand Lobby of the Valentine Theatre. Associate Professor of Musicology at Bowling Green State University, Dr. Ryan Ebright, Ph.D., will provide historical context and insight and will be available to take questions after the talk.

First performed on May 12, 1832, at the Teatro della Canobbiana in Milan, The Elixir of Love is a two-act melodramma giocoso — a sparkling blend of comedy and romance. Between 1838 and 1848, it became the most frequently performed opera in Italy, beloved for its heartfelt celebration of sincerity and emotional truth, ideals central to the Romantic movement.

The Elixir of Love tells the charming story of Nemorino, a shy and earnest young man hopelessly in love with the beautiful and independent Adina. Convinced he cannot win her heart on his own, Nemorino turns to the flamboyant traveling salesman Dr. Dulcamara, who offers him a mysterious “love potion.” What follows is a whirlwind of misunderstandings, mistaken intentions, and comic chaos as Nemorino’s newfound confidence sets off a series of unexpected events. With its irresistible blend of humor and heartfelt romance, Donizetti’s sparkling masterpiece has become one of opera’s most beloved comedies. Overflowing with memorable melodies — including the iconic aria “Una furtiva lagrima” — The Elixir of Love brings every twist of this enchanting tale to life, from its fizzy beginnings to its swoon-worthy conclusion.

The Elixir of Love will be brought to life by conductor J. Ernest Green, who returns for his fourth consecutive season with Toledo Opera following successful productions of The Merry Widow, Ragtime, and South Pacific. Award-winning stage director Ian Silverman joins Toledo Opera for the very first time. The Elixir of Love will star David Walton (Cinderella) as Nemorino, Marnie Breckenridge as Adina, and Jason Budd (La Traviata, The Merry Widow, Cinderella, Tosca, and Carmen) as Dr. Dulcamara. The Elixir of Love will be presented in Italian with English captions.

For Toledo Opera General Director James M. Norman, The Elixir of Love “is a joyful reminder of why opera matters – its humor, heart, and humanity bring people together. This romantic comedy offers our audience an evening of laughter and connection, and we’re proud to share an experience that is both timeless and delightfully relevant while reaffirming opera’s ability to delight, unite, and uplift our community.”

Toledo Opera Artistic Director, Kevin Bylsma, added: “With The Elixir of Love, audiences can expect the kind of artistry and vocal brilliance you would find at a company five times our size. Our singers – from our extraordinary chorus, to our incredible Resident Artists, to our renowned principals – bring unmatched skill, charm, and passion to every note, making this a truly unforgettable operatic experience.”

Praised for his “clean, clear voice,” tenor David Walton returns to Toledo, having sung the role of Prince Ramiro in Toledo Opera’s 2023 production of Cinderella. A favorite tenor of bel canto repertoire, Mr. Walton has frequented such roles as Ernesto (Don Pasquale), Tonio (La Fille du Régiment), and Almaviva (Il Barbiere di Siviglia). His voice has been described as a “plangent tenor tone” (Opera Today) and “the sweetest singing of the evening…a lyric tenor with strong Italianate stylings” (Star Tribune), “a 21^st century Rossini tenor” (Opera War Horses), and “smooth, lyrical, and capable of scaling the heights” (Virginia Pilot). This production of The Elixir of Love marks Mr. Walton’s role debut as Nemorino.

Marnie Breckenridge makes both her role debut and company debut as Adina in The Elixir of Love. An American soprano, Ms. Breckenridge has won international acclaim in a vast repertoire spanning from the Baroque to the Modern. She is continuously praised for her grounded storytelling and known for her deeply expressive score interpretations, layered characterizations, and her beautiful pure soprano. A favorite among some of the most gifted composers of our time, her excellent musicianship and technique have solidly established her as a go-to performer of critically acclaimed new works praising her, “bell-like ring over an enormous range and personality spilling from every note” (The Globe and Mail), “lovely soprano” voice (The New York Times) and “lyrical poignancy and dramatic power” (The Chicago Tribune). In 2020, she received the DORA award for “Outstanding Performance by an Individual in an Opera” for Jacqueline, a role she helped create with the composer Luna Pearl Woolf and librettist Royce Vavrek about the life of Jacqueline Du Pré written for her and cellist, Matt Haimovitz.

Jason Budd returns to Toledo Opera for his fifth consecutive season as Dr. Dulcamara. Mr. Budd has garnered a reputation for being a consummate singer-actor. Having received accolades for his performances across the United States and Europe, Mr. Budd’s South American debut as the title role in Verdi’s Falstaff in São Paulo, Brazil was a great success. During his time as a Toledo Opera Resident Artist, Mr. Budd studied at Bowling Green State University with Andreas Poulimenos. Mr. Budd has also enjoyed much success in vocal competitions over the years, including wins at the Opera Columbus Competition, the Heinz Rehfuss Competition with Orlando Opera, the Mary Jacobs Smith Singer of the Year competition with Shreveport Opera, and the Meistersinger Competition in Graz, Austria.

Also joining the cast are baritone and former Toledo Opera Resident Artist Robbie Raso as Belcore; and soprano and Toledo Opera Resident Artist Sarah Rachel Bacani as Gianetta. Both aforementioned performers round out the principal cast with a complex mix of national and international talent.

Toledo Opera will perform The Elixir of Love at the Valentine Theatre on Friday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 15 at 2 p.m. To learn more about The Elixir of Love cast and production team and to buy tickets, visit: toledoopera.org. For media access, please contact Rachael Cammarn at rcammarn@toledoopera.org.