Hendel: A French meal? Oui for many, ft. Toledo Opera

Published Monday, March 2, 2026

The Toledo Opera, founded in 1959, produced Elixir of Love at the Valentine over Valentine’s Day weekend.

Many community supporters including Nancy Miller and Mike Mikkonen, Jennifer and Pat Poirier, William and Pam Davis, Amy Smith, and Clare and Joel Gorski, board president, dined at the Chop House on opening night on Feb. 13.

Other folks enjoyed a tasty brunch at Carranor Hunt and Polo Club on Feb. 15 before boarding a bus to the Valentine for the Elixir matinee.

Mmm. Strawberry cream cheese stuffed French toast, eggs Benedict, shrimp cocktail, and more plus petite desserts and a Bloody Mary bar. Susan Reams was there, with her son David Reams, who was celebrating his birthday that day.

Toledo Opera General Director Jim Norman gave both audiences an overview of what to expect — fun, laughter, and great voices. And he talked about all the preparation to produce an opera including costumes.

A Top Shelf: A Cocktail Competition of Operatic Proportions was on Feb. 6 at the Registry Bistro Ballroom. The event was planned and presented by Toledo Opera’s newly formed Audience Development Committee. Among the celebrity mixologists were Dan Cummins, WTOL Anchor; Abby Arnold, deputy mayor of Toledo; Jessica Crossfield, owner/founder of Handmade Toledo; Angela Lucas, owner/founder of TolHouse; and others. The conductor of the Elixir of Love, J. Ernest Green, and tenor David Walton were the winners of the competition.

Kudos to planning co-chairmen, Kate French and Dominique Lash.

Now the Toledo Opera is getting ready for its 68th season, 2026-2027, which Mr. Norman promises to be full of drama, laughter, and romance featuring Verdi’s Aida and Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore. Both operas will be at the Valentine. Tickets will be available on March 2 at toledoopera.org or call 419-255-7464.