I was really excited when Utah Opera announced their 2018-2019 season because it includes two operas that I haven't seen before as well as two classics, including Romeo and Juliet which I had the opportunity to see last night. This opera tells the well-known Shakespearean tale of how Romeo and Juliet fall in love despite the centuries old feud that has divided their families and how they are ultimately destroyed by that hate but with the addition of Charles-Francois Gounod's glorious music. I really loved the music! It is wild and exuberant during the masked ball where Romeo and Juliet meet, it is incredibly romantic during the scenes outside Juliet's balcony (especially the harp), it is thrilling during the fight scene between Tybalt and Mercutio, and it is plaintive and heartbreaking during the scene in the tomb. Anya Matanovic, as Juliet, and Joshua Dennis, as Romeo, sing their roles brilliantly, especially during their arias and duets at the balcony and in the tomb. I was also very impressed with Adam Lau as Friar Lawrence and Christopher Oglesby as Tybalt and the chorus sings beautifully during the Prologue and the fight scene. I loved the costumes which feature sumptuous fabrics in rich jewel tones and the sets are very effective at portraying fair Verona. I enjoyed this production so much more than I expected to because Romeo and Juliet is one of my least favorite Shakespeare plays. I highly recommend it for the amazing music and performances. It runs at Capitol Theatre through October 21 (tickets may be purchased here).
Note: Yesterday I also bought tickets to see the Colorado Avalanche. When you think about it hockey and opera are not that different because they both appeal to a small group of crazed aficionados who mostly go in for the violence. Ha ha!
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