Based on Shakespeare's timeless tragedy of star-crossed lovers, Roméo et Juliette sets an impassioned secret affair against a cruel background of fierce family rivalries. Gounod's score thrills the ear with swirling waltzes, dramatic choruses and exquisite arias.
Tenor sensation Vittorio Grigolo makes his Company debut as Roméo, with the enchanting Nino Machaidze returning as Juliette. Plácido Domingo conducts one of LA Opera's landmark productions, directed by Ian Judge. Fall in love all over again, as four sublime love duets...so pure, so poetic, so perfect...flood the theater with intoxicating romance, making Roméo et Juliette an unforgettable experience to savor.
PARENTAL GUIDE:
Based on the classic story. Contains adult subject matter and possible nudity; parental discretion advised. Half-price tickets are available to students ages 9-17 and we have special programs/operas for younger children. Please read the synopsis for further details. If you have any questions, call us at 213.972.8001.
Approximately three hours, including one intermission.
Evening performances: 7:30-10:30 p.m. (approximately)
Matinee performances: 2:00-5:00 p.m. (approximately)
Verona. A chorus tells of the tragic death of two young lovers destroyed by the ongoing feud between their families, the Montagues and the Capulets.
Act I
A festive crowd enjoys a ball given by the Capulet family. Capulet introduces his daughter Juliet, who charms all present with her youthful beauty. As the crowd moves into the adjoining rooms for dancing, some young men come forward and unmask, friends of the rival Montagues. Although Mercutio tries to cheer him, Romeo is uneasy to find himself in enemy territory until his gloom is dispelled by the first sight of Juliet.
Juliet dismisses her Nurse's talk of marriage to Count Paris; she is too excited about the ball to think about serious matters. When the Nurse is called away, Romeo takes the opportunity to speak with Juliet. Their mutual attraction is immediate. Romeo is dismayed to discover that he has fallen in love with the daughter of his sworn enemy. Tybalt recognizes Romeo's voice and informs Juliet that she has been speaking with a hated Montague. Tensions rise, but Capulet defuses the situation by urging everyone to continue with the dance.
Act II
Under cover of night, Romeo enters the Capulets' garden to wait beneath Juliet's balcony. When she appears, they cast aside their family prejudices and exchange passionate vows of love. Gregorio and the other Capulet servants come searching for any Montagues who might be lingering after the ball, but Romeo remains unseen. Alone with Romeo again, Juliet promises to marry him in secret.
Act III
Friar Laurence agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet secretly, thereby helping to end the rivalry between the Capulets and Montagues. The Nurse arrives with Juliet to witness the ceremony.
Stephano sings a mocking song in front of the Capulet house. Gregorio and the other servants are impressed at the boy's audacity; Gregorio and Stephano provoke a fight. When Mercutio enters, he is indignant to find the Capulets fighting a boy so young. Tybalt races in, and challenges Mercutio. Romeo tries to stop the fight, but Tybalt kills Mercutio. Enraged, Romeo challenges Tybalt and kills him, then privately despairs that he has killed a member of his wife's family. As punishment, Romeo is exiled by the Duke of Verona.
Intermission
Act IV
At dawn in Juliet's bedroom, Juliet forgives Romeo for Tybalt's death. The lovers say farewell before Romeo reluctantly leaves for exile. After Romeo has left, Capulet announces that Juliet is to marry Count Paris the very next day. Friar Laurence gives her a potion which will make her appear dead; he will then arrange for Romeo to rescue Juliet from the tomb once she has awoken so the couple can leave Verona together. Juliet drinks the potion.
The next day, during the wedding ceremony, Juliet suddenly falls to the floor. The assembled guests are horrified when Capulet cries out that she is dead.
Act V
Friar John tells Friar Laurence that news of Juliet's feigned death never reached Romeo.
Romeo comes to Juliet's tomb. Unaware of the truth, he has heard that Juliet is dead. In despair, he drinks poison. Juliet revives too late to prevent his death. She stabs herself and the lovers die together.
With Michael Hackett
Begins one hour prior to each performance in the Grand Hall.
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Romeo et Juliette
With Michael Hackett
Gounod
