QUINCY – Muddy River Opera Company presents Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love” on stage for two live performances at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 24 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 26 at the John Wood’s Mary Ellen Orr Auditorium Community College.

“The Elixir of Love” is a lighthearted romantic comedy. In a small town, Adina and Nemorino have repeatedly denied their mutual affection, but the arrival of an army sergeant and a traveling salesman leads to a series of misunderstandings and ultimately a happy resolution. With sparkling tunes and the famous tenor tune “Una furtiva lagrima”, this comedy is sure to amuse and delight from start to finish.

Tenor Brad Bickhardt, tenor Brad Bickhardt, plays the rural lovesick, while soprano Penelope Schumate embodies Adina, the object of his secret affection. Baritone Rahim Mandal is the dashing Sergeant Belcore, who sets his sights on Adina. Local artist Steven Soebbing, a bass-baritone, is Dulcamara, a street vendor peddling love potions, while local artist Lisa Blake is Giannetta, a local friend of Adina.

The orchestra of local musicians will be conducted by David Galant. The choral ensemble made up of local performers is led by Jillian Miller. The production is directed by Culver-Stockton College drama professor Haidee Heaton.

Half an hour before each performance, Carol Mathieson will give a pre-talk in the auditorium to help people understand the enduring popularity of this light romantic comedy.

A special dinner was organized before the performance on June 24 at 4:30 p.m. at Thyme Square Café, 615 Hampshire.

Opera tickets are $25 for a single or $40 for two. Dinner tickets are $30 each.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://muddyriveropera.org or in person at Codex Books, 3734 Broadway.