Kansas City, Mo. ? The Lyric Opera will premiere Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor,” based on the Walter Scott novel, on Saturday.

Set in the Scottish highlands during the 17th century, Lucia unravels the forbidden affections of a young woman and her family’s sworn enemy, Edgardo Ravenswood. After they have pledged their undying love, Lucia is forced to marry another man to save the family’s fortune. The arranged marriage leads Lucia’s madness to consume her, giving birth to the famous “mad scene” and a bloody wedding night.

The cast includes Kansas University student Jonathan Thomas, a tenor, who will portray the bridegroom. He appeared in the company’s production of “Carmen” last fall.

“Lucia di Lammermoor” opens at 8 p.m. Saturday at the opera, 1029 Central, Kansas City, Mo., and other performances are 7:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 8 p.m. March 17 and 2 p.m. March 19. Call (816) 471-7344 or visit www.kcopera.org for ticket information.