ZACH VEACH TO STAR IN INDIANAPOLIS OPERA’S ELIXIR OF LOVE

Zach Veach might be the Driver of the No. 26 Gainbridge Car for Andretti Autosport, but will soon add another feather to his racing cap: Veach will play Mario in the upcoming Indianapolis Opera production of Gaetano Donizetti’s Elixir of Love.

The busy Andretti Autosport full-time NTT IndyCar Series driver is the only driver to ever compete in all four levels of the Road to Indy with one team. Veach will make his stage debut November 15, 16 and 17 as the assistant to Dulcamara, a salesman and race car hobbyist. “Doctor” Dulcamara and his assistant Mario (Veach) roll into the town of Lucca to sell their miracle elixir (really just cheap Bordeaux), which promises to heal all ills and make the hardest of hearts melt in a single day. The larger story follows the penniless and lovelorn Nemorino, who is hopelessly in love with the well-to-do Adina. When Nemorino hears the news of the elixir, he thinks it’s just the ticket to win Adina’s love, and what else but a comedy of errors ensues! 

This charming comic opera returns to the Indianapolis Opera stage with a brand new twist, complete with a vintage 1910 Italian racecar generously provided by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. This one-of-a-kind car will make its entrance on stage when “Doctor” Dulcamara and his assistant Mario (Veach) arrive into the unwitting town to peddle their magical elixir. 

The cast is composed of many rising artists as well as seasoned stars who’ve sung on stages ranging from the Lyric Opera of Chicago to the Metropolitan Opera. Our elixir- peddling Dulcamara will be played by Met singer Gary Simpson. Internationally- acclaimed tenor Jesus Garcia will bring his dynamic stage presence as Nemorino, and soprano Ashley Fabian will be playing the beautiful and independent Adina. The town gossip Giannetta will be played by Indianapolis Opera’s resident artist mezzo soprano Katherine Fili, and last but not least, Belcore will be played by American baritone Ethan Vincent, who in addition to his operatic credits can be seen in the featured role of César in the acclaimed film Bel Canto alongside Academy Award Winner Julianne Moore and Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe. 

A. Scott Parry, director of Indianapolis Opera’s 2019 production of Camelot, returns to Indianapolis Opera to direct and newly-appointed Artistic Advisor, Alfred Savia, will conduct. 

Single tickets can be purchased by calling the Tarkington box office at 317-660-3373 or online at the Tarkington website. Tickets range from $35 to $86. The Tarkington Theater is in the same building as the Studio Theater, across the Center Green from the Palladium and adjacent to the Center Parking Garage located at 3 Center Green, Carmel, Indiana.