The Metropolitan Opera: Roméo et Juliette
The Metropolitan Opera: Roméo et Juliette

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The Metropolitan Opera: Roméo et Juliette

2017
Movie
210 min
French

Diana Damrau and Vittorio Grigolo are opera’s classic lovers in Gounod’s lush Shakespeare adaptation. Director Bartlett Sher’s “brilliant and inspired new production … is a revelation” (Huffington Post), and has already won acclaim for its vivid 18th-century milieu and stunning costumes during runs at Salzburg and La Scala. Emmanuel Villaume conducts the sumptuous score.

Insights

Director: Bartlett SherGenres: Opera, Romance, Drama

Plot Summary

This production of Gounod's opera "Roméo et Juliette" follows the iconic tragic love story of two young lovers from feuding families in Verona. The opera captures the passion, joy, and ultimate despair of their forbidden romance, set against a backdrop of intense family conflict and societal division. It culminates in the tragic deaths of the lovers, leaving a wake of destruction for their families.

Critical Reception

The Metropolitan Opera's production of Gounod's "Roméo et Juliette" was generally praised for its lavish staging, strong vocal performances, and the passionate portrayal of the lead roles. Critics often highlighted the chemistry between the central couple and the conductor's ability to draw out the romantic and dramatic intensity of the score. However, some reviews noted that the production, while grand, occasionally struggled to fully capture the intimate emotional nuances of Shakespeare's original story within the opera's conventions.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually stunning production and grand scale.

  • Hailed for the compelling and passionate performances of the lead singers.

  • Noted for successfully conveying the romantic sweep and tragic elements of the opera.

Google audience: Audience feedback for this production often focused on the beautiful sets and costumes, as well as the powerful vocal performances that brought the young lovers' story to life. Many viewers found the production to be a visually spectacular and emotionally engaging experience, celebrating the timeless nature of the story and the operatic adaptation.

Awards & Accolades

None notable for this specific broadcast production.

Fun Fact

This production, directed by Bartlett Sher, was part of The Met: Live in HD series, allowing audiences worldwide to experience the opera in cinemas.

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