Seattle Opera will present Jules Massenet’s “Don Quichotte” from Feb. 26 through March 12.

The opera, which premiered in Monte Carlo in 1910, draws from Cervantes’ classic novel about the eccentric and idealistic Don Quixote, who, after reading too many books full of romantic chivalry, dreams of becoming a knight-errant and winning the heart of the lovely Dulcinea.

“Cervantes’ Don Quixote is more often talked about than read. And many only know the familiar songs from Man of La Mancha,” says Seattle Opera General Director Speight Jenkins. “Massenet’s opera, however, is different from both: a sweeter, subtler, more sympathetic treatment of Don Quixote, which brought out the best from the French composer.”

Seattle Opera’s new production, directed by Linda Brovsky and designed by Donald Eastman, places Don Quichotte’s literary origins front and center by setting the characters in an imaginative landscape of giant books, inkwells, and feather pens.

Opening night stars renowned bass-baritone John Relyea as Don Quichotte. Mezzo-soprano Malgorzata Walewska—Judith appears opposite Relyea as Dulcinée.

French bass Nicolas Cavallier, who made his U.S. debut as Figaro in Seattle Opera’s 2009 production of The Marriage of Figaro, appears as Don Quichotte in the Sunday/Friday cast.

Single tickets start at $25 and are available online at seattleopera.org, by calling 206-389-7676 or 800-426-1619, or by mobile phone at mobile.seattleopera.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the Box Office by visiting 1020 John Street (two blocks west of Fairview), Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The opera will be at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall at Seattle Center.