In LA Opera’s evocative staging of Romeo and Juliet, Charles Gounod’s lush, romantic score is brought to life under the skilled baton of Domingo Hindoyan, whose meticulous control of the orchestra allows the music to flow with unrestrained passion, infusing the production with deep, operatic grandeur. Gounod, who had found success with another literary adaptation, Faust, premiered this opera at the Théâtre Lyrique in Paris in 1867, and it remains one of his most beloved works, capturing the tender ardor and tragic depths of Shakespeare’s timeless lovers. The libretto, crafted by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré, capitalizes on the story’s enduring allure while enhancing its operatic scale.

In their Los Angeles debut, Amina Edris and Duke Kim deliver spellbinding performances as Juliet and Romeo, embodying the vitality and vulnerability of Shakespeare’s tragic protagonists. Edris brings a captivating brilliance to Juliet, her voice radiating both purity and warmth as she navigates Juliet’s arc from impetuous innocence to profound sorrow. Kim’s Romeo is equally compelling, marked by a robust, resonant voice that complements his athletic and impassioned portrayal. The pairing of these two young talents infuses the production with a palpable authenticity, mirroring the youthful energy and reckless devotion that define the star-crossed lovers.

“A poignant and dynamic interpretation of Gounod’s masterpiece”

Supporting this romantic narrative, Justin Austin’s Mercutio, the versatile Craig Colclough’s dynamic portrayal of Lord Capulet, and Wei Wu as Friar Laurent add depth and contrast, grounding the tale in maturity and gravity. Yuntong Han, making a notable professional debut as Tybalt, tackles the role’s physical demands with impressive agility and poise, underscored by fight director Andrew Kenneth Moss’s choreography, which heightens the palpable tension of the feud. Margaret Gawrysiak’s Gertrude brings moments of humor and levity that offer a welcome respite from the opera’s relentless pace.

John Gunter’s innovative scene design transports the story into a modern, urbanized setting, using a haunting, multi-level scaffolding structure evocative of New York. This set, navigated by the crew as if symbolizing the emotional and societal burdens weighing on the young lovers, is both a striking visual metaphor and a stark departure from romanticized Verona. Tim Goodchild’s opulent costumes, with hints of the American South, add richness to the production, as it did with Juliet’s white gown, stunningly beautiful yet laced with tragic irony as it highlights the fragility of her fate.

With all elements masterfully interwoven, this Romeo and Juliet is a poignant and dynamic interpretation of Gounod’s masterpiece, a testament to the timeless power of love and tragedy that continues to resonate with audiences.

— G. Dhalla

Romeo and Juliet plays at the Dorothy Chandler through November 23rd. For more information visit: https://www.laopera.org/

Founders Room Post Reception