Opera in the Heights to Present LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR, Begin. 3/28

Opera in the Heights presents Gaetano Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, the final production of the 2013-2014 season, beginning Mar. 28 at Lambert Hall. This dramma tragico (tragic opera) in three acts was created by Donizetti in 1835. Salvatore Cammarano wrote the Italian language libretto loosely based on Sir Walter Scott's historical novel The Bride of Lammermoor.

Lucia di Lammermoor tells a gripping story of a young woman forced to marry a man she doesn't love in order to bring wealth back to the family. In a feud between the Scottish families of Ravenswood and Lammermoor, Enrico (Lord Henry Ashton of Lammermoor) has gained the upper hand over Edgardo (Edgar of Ravenswood), killing his kinsmen and taking over his estates.

By the time of the opera's action, however, Enrico's fortunes have begun to wane. In political disfavor, he stakes everything on uniting his family with that of Arturo (Lord Arthur Bucklaw), whom he means to force his sister, Lucia (Lucy Ashton), to marry. Ultimately, the consequences are tragic.

"Lambert Hall is transformed into a Scottish Cathedral in the 1600s to set the scene for this new production of Lucia di Lammermoor, rooted in its most traditional values and the purity of the Bel-Canto style," says Maestro Enrique Carreón-Robledo, artistic director for Opera in the Heights.

Jessica Jones and Amanda Kingston share the role of Lucia in the company's double cast system. Edgardo is portrayed by Anthony Webb and Wesley Morgan, while Octavio Moreno sings the role of Enrico. Other key cast members include Rubin Casas as Raimundo, Nathan de Paz as Normanno, Laura Coale in the role of Alisa and George Williams in the portrayal of Arturo.

Performance dates for Lucia are Mar. 28, Mar. 29, Apr. 3, 4, 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Mar. 30 and Apr. 6 at 2 p.m. Single ticket prices are $32-$59, senior tickets are $29-$51, and student tickets are $12 anytime in designated areas.

Opera in the Heights, a professional regional performing arts company, provides a stage for emerging performers and brings affordable opera to the greater Houston area. All operas are fully staged with orchestra and presented in the original language with English surtitles projected above the stage.

Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and the matinees are at 2 p.m. at Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. in the Houston Heights. For tickets, please visit www.operaintheheights.org or call 713-861-5303.

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