“Romeo and Juliet” – LA Opera

Adolescence, passion, tragedy—the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet is brimming with all the elements of youthful exuberance and defiance. Rising stars Amina Edris and Duke Kim gloriously inhabit the title roles in this sumptuous LA Opera production, marking their Los Angeles debut on the Dorothy Chandler stage. Five performances remain of this French classic, with tickets still available for purchase.

A chance meeting between Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet sparks a forbidden romance between the teenaged children of warring clans.

Shakespeare’s 1595 stage play Romeo and Juliet is often referred to as the greatest love story of all time, and is certainly one of the most tragic tales immortalized by this great poet and playwright. Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette is an opera in five acts, with a French libretto created by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré.

Young opera stars Amina Edris and Duke Kim bring vitality and intensity to their performances, with Kim displaying plenty of athleticism as the love-struck Romeo. Capturing the essential qualities of these teenaged star-crossed lovers, the on-stage chemistry between our two leads is warm, authentic and convincing.

Famed Venezuelan conductor Domingo Hindoyan and LA Opera’s Resident Conductor Lina González-Granados lead Gounod’s romantic score, studded with one gorgeous love duet after another. Rising stars Amina Edris and Duke Kim make their house debuts as opera’s favorite star-crossed lovers, with Justin Austin in his debut as Mercutio and company favorite Craig Colclough as Lord Capulet. Enter a sensuous, elegant world of vengeful duels and young love as this beloved classic returns to LA Opera for the first time since 2011.

From the press release.

Charles Gounod’s opera Roméo et Juliette, based on Shakespeare’s timeless tale of love and tragedy, offers a unique interpretation of this classic story. First performed in London in 1867, the opera remains a staple in the operatic repertoire, although opinions on its artistic merits vary widely.

The opera itself is often described as charming, yet many feel it falls short of greatness. While Gounod’s music does have its appealing moments, many find it adequate rather than exceptional. The choruses, in particular, lack the thrill typically expected from operatic masterpieces, which has led some reviewers to view the drama as diminished to mere eclogue for its famously star-crossed lovers.

Several highlights of the opera include its pretty duets and memorable arias, such as Mercutio’s lively “Queen Mab” and the page boy’s song.

Led by conductor Domingo Hindoyan, the LA Opera’s production captures the essence of Gounod’s score, conveying a rapturous and heartbreaking version of Shakespeare’s poetic text. Grand and ambitious, this staging features a large chorus and a diverse cast of characters, all contributing to the unfolding drama.

In the latest production by LA Opera, rising stars Amina Edris and Duke Kim make their house debuts as Juliet and Romeo, respectively, bringing youthful energy and authenticity to their roles, capturing the essence of young love and defiance. The ensemble, including Justin Austin as Mercutio and Craig Colclough as Lord Capulet, adds depth to the performance.

Staging plays a significant role in this production, with highlights such as the Capulets’ Ball in Act 1 and Juliet’s enchanting aria “Je veux vivre,” staged with dynamic choreography. The pacing, however, can feel uneven. For the wedding scene, there’s a long period of music as the large cast and chorus take their places on the three-story, scaffolding-style scenery. Curiously, at the scene’s conclusion, there is a long period where no music plays as they all stealthily make their exits.

Under the baton of renowned conductor Domingo Hindoyan the romantic score comes to life, enhanced by the production’s thoughtful design and direction. Sung in French with English subtitles, the opera is accessible to a broad audience.

Overall, Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette is a blend of youthful exuberance and tragic inevitability, appealing to both opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike. While it may not hold the status of a shining star among operatic works, its charm and the dedication of the cast make it a compelling experience worth witnessing.

Roméo et Juliette

L. A. Opera

An opera in five acts by Charles Gounod, with a French libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré.

Running time: approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission.
Performed in:    French with English subtitles.

• Saturday, November 2: 7:30 PM
• Thursday, November 14: 7:30 PM
• Sunday, November 17: 2 PM
• Wednesday, November 20: 7:30 PM
• Saturday, November 23: 7:30 PM 

Tickets are still available for purchase.

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, 90012

All programs, artists and dates are subject to change.