John Dexter’s riveting production, designed by Tanya Moiseiwitsch, captures the dark passions of Verdi’s ever popular opera. Cornell MacNeil, in the role of his sensational Met debut, is the tortured hunchback jester, desperate to protect his daughter, Gilda, from the lascivious Duke of Mantua. Ileana Cotrubas is at her most affecting as the innocent girl who sacrifices herself for love. Plácido Domingo’s golden voice and suave appeal are perfect for the charming but faithless Duke. James Levine conducts.