Romeo and Juliet Promotional Article

[The following article is running in many weekly Metro-West newspapers]

The explosive opening bars of Gounod's opera Romeo and Juliet signal that an intense dramatic musical experience is on the way. Opera51 presents this masterpiece at 51 Walden in three fully-costumed performances June 10, 11, and 12. Gounod perfectly matches his beautiful and dynamic music to Shakespeare's dramatic storyline in an unforgettable presentation that will alternately thrill and touch your heart.

First performed in Paris in 1867, Romeo and Juliet has been a staple of opera companies throughout the world. Opera51 has again assembled a first-class troupe of volunteer Boston-area principal singers, chorus members, and orchestra players to bring this experience to the 51 Walden stage in a benefit production that supports operation of the 51 Walden facility, home to the Concord Players, the Concord Orchestra, and the Concord Band.

This compelling opera leads listeners through the high drama of the familiar plot: Capulet's loving presentation of his beautiful young daughter at a gala party, his clan's fury at the insolence of the rival Montague clan crashing that event, the tender declarations of love between Romeo and Juliet, their joy of their secret marriage, swordplay when clan rivalries run high, and shock and remorse over the resulting deaths. Add to this the Duke's exasperation with ceaseless warring between the two clans, emotional vows of revenge despite the Duke's plea for peace, and the ultimate heartbreaking tragedy of young lives lost to blind pride.

This is the tenth annual operatic fundraiser for 51 Walden, following recent well-received productions of La Bohème, The Merry Widow, La Traviata, and L'Elisir d'Amore. It is presented in a fully costumed and staged performance with full orchestra, sung in French with English surtitles. The lush, elaborate costumes set in Renaissance times have been painstakingly custom-made for this production. Some performers engage in sword and dagger play on stage (requiring much rehearsal time!) while others have learned Renaissance dance and gestures. Robin Farnsley is artistic director and sings the role of Juliet, and Alan Yost, who has led all productions since the series began in 2007, conducts.

Performances are Friday and Saturday June 10 and 11 at 8 PM, and Sunday June 12 at 2 PM. Tickets are $30 ($25 for students and seniors), and can be purchased online at www.opera51.org or www.51walden.org, or by calling 978-369-7911. Further information about the production can be found at www.opera51.org or the Opera51 Facebook page.