Toledo Opera will host Top Shelf: A Cocktail Competition of Operatic Proportions on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Registry Bistro Ballroom (144 N. Superior St., Toledo, OH 43604). Inspired by the upcoming production of The Elixir of Love, this spirited community event blends mixology, music, and friendly competition for an unforgettable evening.
Planned and presented by Toledo Opera’s newly formed Audience Development Committee, Top Shelf invites the community to sip, savor, and vote as some of Toledo’s favorite local celebrities step behind the bar for one night only. Each team will compete to craft the most crowd-pleasing cocktail of the night. Celebrity mixologists include: Dan Cummins, WTOL Anchor; Abby Arnold, Deputy Mayor of Toledo; Jessica Crossfield, Owner/Founder of Handmade Toledo; Angela Lucas, Owner/Founder of TolHouse; Tony Krncevic, “Car & Coffee Guy”; and Dan Kleiboemer, Merchant Marine Captain. Also competing will be conductor of The Elixir of Love, J. Ernest Green and tenor David Walton, who will star in The Elixir of Love as Nemorino.
Guests will sample a curated flight of four original cocktail creations, enjoy delicious bites provided by Registry Bistro, indulge in mocktails, and experience a special musical preview performed by a cast member from the upcoming production. Attendees will cast their votes with their tips – and the cocktail that earns the most tips will take home the coveted Top Shelf Trophy.
“The inaugural Top Shelf Cocktail Competition is a fun and creative way for our Audience Development Committee to bring new energy into the opera experience,” shared Toledo Opera General Director James M. Norman. “It’s about building community, welcoming new audiences, and celebrating the joy of gathering together in support of the arts. It’s a spirited evening that reflects our commitment to growing audiences while celebrating creativity and community.”
The Audience Development Committee added: “We designed Top Shelf to be a joyful, high-energy night out full of great music, great drinks, and plenty of personality. It’s playful and welcoming, and it invites people to experience opera in a fun, unexpected way right here in Toledo.”
Tickets are $60 and include food, mocktails, and a flight of four cocktails. A complimentary wine bar will also be available. Reservations are required and space is limited. Tickets may be purchased at toledoopera.org.
About The Elixir of Love: Spend Valentine’s Day weekend immersed in the laughter and romance of Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love. When the shy and smitten Nemorino’s dream of winning the strong-willed Adina’s heart seems out of reach, he turns to a traveling purveyor of patent medicines in search of a love potion. After drinking every last drop, he sets off a cascade of comedic chaos. This heartwarming comedy embodies all the richness of Donizetti’s artistry and is simply too good to keep bottled up. Featuring laugh-out-loud moments and touching romance, this original, heartwarming comedy sparkles with wit and whimsy. Presented for the first time in over a decade, The Elixir of Love comes to life in a new production brought to life by conductor J. Ernest Green (Toledo Opera’s South Pacific, Ragtime, and The Merry Widow). The Elixir of Love stars tenor David Walton (Toledo Opera’s Cinderella) as Nemorino, soprano Marnie Breckenridge as Adina, and baritone Jason Budd (Toledo Opera’s Carmen, Tosca, Cinderella, The Merry Widow, and La Traviata) as Dr. Dulcamara. The Elixir of Love is presented in Italian with English Captions
For media access, please contact Rachael Cammarn at rcammarn@toledoopera.org. Top Shelf will take place on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.. Tickets to this event may be purchased at toledoopera.org.
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.
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