Continuing his rapid career rise after a stunning professional debut with the Fort Worth Opera three years ago as Rodolfo in La Bohème, tenor Stephen Costello takes on the title role of Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux for the Dallas Opera beginning Friday in State Fair Music Hall.
An early-19th-century take on the affair between Elizabeth I of England and the Earl of Essex, the dazzling coloratura opera requires a formidable cast and is infrequently performed. 
It also requires a dynamic star, and Costello appears to have the goods. Still is his 20s, he made his Metropolitan Opera debut in the season-opening production of Lucia di Lammermoor last year singing Arturo. By the end of the run, he eventually graduated to the leading role of Edgardo, a role he impressively reprised with the Fort Worth Opera last season. The tenor also made appearances with the Deutsche Oper in Berlin and the Salzburg Festival in Austria as well as a number of American companies, and he makes his Covent Garden debut in London next year.
The role of Elizabeth I will be sung by Armenian soprano Hasmik Papian.
Roberto Devereux runs Fri-Sun and Jan 28, 31 at State Fair Music Hall, 909 1st Av., Dallas. $15-199. 214-443-1040.
Roberto Devereux runs Fri-Sun and Jan 28, 31 at State Fair Music Hall, 909 1st Av,, Dallas. $15-199. 214-443-1040.
