A light comic opera framed by the magnificent melodies of Gaetano Donizetti. This work has enjoyed great success among opera lovers for over two centuries. At the turn of the last century - in July 1998 - the premiere of one of the brightest operas by Gaetano Donizetti, "The Elixir of Love," directed by Lyudmila Naletova, the director of the Moscow Academic Musical Theatre, took place. By the way, even today this production receives a lot of positive feedback. It cannot be otherwise: the performance encompasses both sparkling humor and astonishing openness and sincerity of the characters, as well as the vividness of the decorations and costumes, which carry the audience on waves of musical grace to the distant Northern Italy of the 19th century. The uncomplicated plot revolves around a romantic geometric figure, with three main characters at its corners: Adina - a capricious owner of a rare soprano, Nemorino - a clumsy tenor who is deeply in love with Adina, and Belcore - a dashing sergeant and a charming baritone who has captivated Adina and is determined to win her affection. The story of the characters' relationships seems obvious: Nemorino unsuccessfully tries to win Adina, but she prefers the wealthy and powerful Belcore, mocking the feelings of the tormented tenor. However, the action itself is presented by the director in a rather unusual way. Thus, the appearance of the village doctor Dulcamara with a magical love potion is marked by the landing of a rocket in the shape of a giant bottle in the middle of the village. Adina is carried away on a complex moving structure by her suitors. She is proud, indifferent to the men who are going crazy over her. The image of the keeper of the luxurious soprano was perfectly conveyed by Hibla Gerzmava in the premiere performance. The turbulent development of the intrigue is supported by Belcore's provocative behavior. The quirky doctor, the simple village boy Nemorino, the villagers - all the characters come to life before the audience not only through their voices but also through costumes that correspond to Donizetti's era.