A sleeper hit

There will be no danger of falling asleep when the Metropolitan Opera presents “La Sonnambula” on the big screen at Newport Performing Arts Center this Saturday, Oct. 18. 

Vincenzo Bellini’s hauntingly lyrical tale of love and treachery unfolds in an idyllic Swiss village, where the joyous wedding of the innocent Amina and her devoted Elvino is about to begin. The entire community celebrates their union — except for Lisa, Elvino's jilted ex-fiancée, who seethes in silence. As night falls, the villagers retreat, fearful of a spectral presence said to haunt the mountains. But their secluded world is soon shaken by the arrival of a mysterious stranger.

In his new production of Bellini’s poignant tale, Rolando Villazón — the tenor who has embarked on a brilliant second career as a director — retains the opera’s original setting in the Swiss Alps but uses its plot to explore the emotional and psychological valleys of the mind. Nadine Sierra summits another peak of the soprano repertoire as Amina, who sleepwalks her way into audiences’ hearts. Tenor Xabier Anduaga co-stars as Elvino, alongside soprano Sydney Mancasola as Lisa and bass Alexander Vinogradov as Count Rodolfo. Riccardo Frizza takes the podium for one of opera’s most ravishing works.

Saturday’s presentation, part of the “The Met: Live in HD” season, starts at 10 am at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W Olive Street. Run time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with one intermission. Tickets range from $12 to $28. For more information, go to coastarts.com or call 541-265-2787.