Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette Opens July 16
Shakespeare’s tragic love story comes to Santa Fe in a new production
July 16, 20, 29 at 8:30PM; August 4, 9, 16, 25 at 8:00 PM
Composed by Charles Gounod.
Sung in French with Opera Titles in English and Spanish.
A new Santa Fe Opera production. A company premiere.
First performed at Paris’ Théâtre Lyrique in 1867.
Co-produced with Fundació del Gran Teatre del Liceu.
Tickets: Call the Santa Fe Opera Box Office at 505.986.5900 Monday–Saturday 9 AM–5 PM, or purchase online at santafeopera.org.
Santa Fe, NM – An ageless tragic tale of two young lovers who fall victim to a family feud, Gounod’s stunning French “grand opera” is based on Shakespeare’s masterwork. Spinning waltzes, dramatic choruses, and fiery family rivalries form the epic backdrop against which our star-crossed lovers choose, in the face of parting with each other, to part with life instead.
Increasingly in-demand across the globe, soprano Ailyn Pérez (Faust, 2011) is the Capulets’ daughter Juliette, with tenor Stephen Costello making his company debut as Roméo, son of the Montagues. Mezzo-soprano Emily Fons (Cold Mountain, 2015) is Roméo’s page Stéphano for all performances except August 25, when second-year apprentice Alyssa Martin steps into the role. Fast-rising baritone Elliot Madore (debut) is Roméo’s friend Mercutio, and bass Raymond Aceto (King Roger, 2012) is Frère Laurent, officiant at the secret marriage of the ill-fated lovers. Mezzo-soprano Deborah Nansteel (Cold Mountain, 2015) is Gertrude, baritone Tim Mix debuts as Count Capulet, and bass Soloman Howard (Don Giovanni, 2016) is The Duke of Verona. Chief Conductor Harry Bicket (La Finta Giardiniera, 2015) returns to conduct in the third season of his tenure, while stage director Stephen Lawless (Carmen, 2014), scenic/costume designer Ashley Martin-Davis (The Elixir of Love, 2009), lighting designer Mimi Jordan Sherin, and choreographer Nicola Bowie create an intriguing setting for this Santa Fe Opera premiere.
Conductor: Harry Bicket
Director: Stephen Lawless
Scenic and Costume Designer: Ashley Martin-Davis
Lighting Designer: Mimi Jordan Sherin
Choreographer Nicola Bowie
Fight Directors: Rick Sordelet; Christian Kelly-Sordelet
Chorus Master: Susanne Sheston
Roméo: Stephen Costello*
Juliette: Ailyn Pérez
Stéphano: Emily Fons+ (July 16,20,29,August 4,9,16); Alyssa Martin++ (August 25)
Mercutio: Elliot Madore*
Frère Laurent: Raymond Aceto
Gertrude: Deborah Nansteel
Count Capulet: Tim Mix*
The Duke of Verona: Soloman Howard
Dancers: Beth Miller*; Susan Vishmid*
*debut, +former Santa Fe Opera Apprentice, ++current Santa Fe Opera Apprentice