"Because this piece is not realistic," Leiser told What's on in London, "it gives us a freedom of approach, and we want to pay a tribute to the Italy we love and to that master of film, Federico Fellini. There's a certain nostalgia, a sense of fantasy and references to the world of childhood, while the strong colors in the sets and costumes have an energy that matches the vitality of the music."
Baritone Thomas Allen sings the role of Prosdocimo, the poet seeking inspiration for his comedy, for the first time; Bartoli is Fiorilla.
The production, which runs through June 11, also features Ildebrando d'Arcangelo as Selim, Alessandro Corbelli as Don Geronio, Barry Banks as Don Narciso, Heather Shipp as Zaida, and James Edwards as Albazar.