From Tristan and Isolde to the students at Hogwarts, forlorn humans have long sought to concoct a love potion take the easy way, if you will. Today, the Houston Grand Opera opens its season with the tale of another quest for liquid passion, one of the most performed operas in the world, Donizettis playful melodrama The Elixir of Love. The flirty Adina (played by Russian soprano Ekaterina Siurina) catches the eye of Nemorino (American tenor John Osborn), who decides that the lovely aristocrat will never fall for him without the help of a magical potion. The sketchy Doctor Dulcamara (Italian bass-baritone Alessandro Corbelli ) provides one, which is a dud, of course. Thankfully, it turns out Adina doesnt need any chemical help to fall for Nemorino though a sudden, massive inheritance certainly doesnt hurt his cause. 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Through November 7. Wortham Theater Center, 500 Texas. For a full schedule, call 713-228-6737 or visit www.houstongrand-opera.org. $23 to $276.
Fri., Oct. 23, 7 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 25, 2 p.m.; Wed., Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m.; Wed., Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m., 2009