Singer

The world’s most celebrated love story finds new dimension in Charles Gounod’s classic retelling of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet.  Set in 15th century Verona, the deep and rapturous love between Romeo and Juliet rivals the longstanding feud between their families – the Montagues and the Capulets. Will these star-crossed lovers be able to endure their feuding kin or succumb to tragedy? From tender intimacy to ecstatic grandeur, Gounod’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s eternal drama comes to life in a cinematic-inspired production. Gounod’s lush, romantic opera will explore the fragility of innocence and youth in the face of political turmoil. Real life couple – and Toledo Opera audience favorites – Zach Borichevsky and Kathryn Lewek star as Romeo and Juliet. Maestro Adam Turner returns to Toledo to conduct as director James Mitchell brings this timeless tragedy to life.

EPSG:4326

Romeo & Juliet

Valentine Theatre

This is the most frequently performed opera in the entire repertoire, though West Bay Opera has only presented it 8 times in the last 65 years. Our last production was in May 2010.  The libretto is adapted from a play based on the novel "La dame aux camélias" by Alexandre Dumas fills.   Although its La Fenice premiere was a failure, apparently due to casting problems, it was presented again a year later at another venue in Venice and it became a major success, quickly traveling around Europe and to the US. La traviata became the standard against which the work of a whole generation of composers was measured. Even Puccini was warned against presenting La bohème, because the parallels in the story would invite comparisons with Verd's work.  Though topically it has become a period piece, it remains a mastepiece of operatic writing, including some of the most famous arias and ensembles in the entire operatic repertoire. A good Traviata production makes for a fabulous night at the opera.

Jason Duika

Baritone

Events

16 - 18 Feb, 2024

Romeo & Juliet · Toledo Opera

14 - 23 Oct, 2022

La traviata · West Bay Opera

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