Star-Crossed and Love Struck
Romance, mischief and tragedy will grace the stages of downtown Columbus as Shakespeare takes over the city just in time for Valentine’s Day.
The opera rendition of the classic play, Romeo and Juliet, premiered on April 27, 1867 in Paris, France. Almost 150 years later, the famous Shakespearean tale is still captivating audiences around the world. Opera Columbus brings the story to life Feb. 12 and 14 at the Ohio Theater, 39 E. State St.
The timeless tragedy of an ill-fated romance stars two real-life married couples: Jonathan Boyd and Malinda Haslett as Romeo and Juliet, and Elise Des Champs and Brian Banyon as Stephano the page and Friar Lawrence.
“We’re excited that we’re doing it over Valentine’s weekend. It’s a great opera to do over (that time),” says Press Southworth, executive director of Opera Columbus.
To complement the timing, Opera Columbus is offering patrons promotional packages that include tickets to the opera and “Vocal Valentines,” by local singers, says Eric McKeever, director of education and outreach. These singers can come dinner, work or somewhere else special to enjoy this twist on the traditional Valentine.
Romeo and Juliet is set to the music of 19th century composer, Charles Gounod, with lyrics sung entirely in French with English supertitles. Accompanying the singers is the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, conducted by William Boggs, artistic director for Opera Columbus. John Hoomes is directing the production. Hoomes is the general and artistic director for Nashville Opera, as well as a freelance director who works throughout North America.
While all of this is happening, just down the street will be another Shakespearean adaptation.
Set to the music of another 19th century composer, Felix Mendelsson, and choreographed by former BalletMet artistic director, David Nixon, BalletMet’s performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream run Feb. 8-14 at the Capitol Theater, 77 S. High St. Nixon’s choreography of A Midsummer Night’s Dream first premiered in 2000, but this time around it will be shown with a bonus feature: a world premiere ballet by choreographer Ma Cong.
“We are very excited to bring back Mr. Nixon’s entertaining work. We are also very much looking forward to working with Ma Cong, who is a very dynamic young choreographer who challenges the dancers to be their best in a very fulfilling way,” says Gerard Charles, Balletmet artistic director.
Audience members can look forward to a good balance of a strong classical ballet and an adventurous contemporary piece. “The combination will showcase the diverse talent of our company, energize the audience in two different ways and demonstrate the vitality of dance,” Charles says.
The new work runs approximately 25 minutes as a section of the complete production. Performance times and ticket information is available at www.operacolumbus.org and www.balletmet.org, respectively.
Emily Gibb is a contributing writer for CityScene.
The opera rendition of the classic play, Romeo and Juliet, premiered on April 27, 1867 in Paris, France. Almost 150 years later, the famous Shakespearean tale is still captivating audiences around the world. Opera Columbus brings the story to life Feb. 12 and 14 at the Ohio Theater, 39 E. State St.
The timeless tragedy of an ill-fated romance stars two real-life married couples: Jonathan Boyd and Malinda Haslett as Romeo and Juliet, and Elise Des Champs and Brian Banyon as Stephano the page and Friar Lawrence.
“We’re excited that we’re doing it over Valentine’s weekend. It’s a great opera to do over (that time),” says Press Southworth, executive director of Opera Columbus.
To complement the timing, Opera Columbus is offering patrons promotional packages that include tickets to the opera and “Vocal Valentines,” by local singers, says Eric McKeever, director of education and outreach. These singers can come dinner, work or somewhere else special to enjoy this twist on the traditional Valentine.
Romeo and Juliet is set to the music of 19th century composer, Charles Gounod, with lyrics sung entirely in French with English supertitles. Accompanying the singers is the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, conducted by William Boggs, artistic director for Opera Columbus. John Hoomes is directing the production. Hoomes is the general and artistic director for Nashville Opera, as well as a freelance director who works throughout North America.
While all of this is happening, just down the street will be another Shakespearean adaptation.
Set to the music of another 19th century composer, Felix Mendelsson, and choreographed by former BalletMet artistic director, David Nixon, BalletMet’s performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream run Feb. 8-14 at the Capitol Theater, 77 S. High St. Nixon’s choreography of A Midsummer Night’s Dream first premiered in 2000, but this time around it will be shown with a bonus feature: a world premiere ballet by choreographer Ma Cong.
“We are very excited to bring back Mr. Nixon’s entertaining work. We are also very much looking forward to working with Ma Cong, who is a very dynamic young choreographer who challenges the dancers to be their best in a very fulfilling way,” says Gerard Charles, Balletmet artistic director.
Audience members can look forward to a good balance of a strong classical ballet and an adventurous contemporary piece. “The combination will showcase the diverse talent of our company, energize the audience in two different ways and demonstrate the vitality of dance,” Charles says.
The new work runs approximately 25 minutes as a section of the complete production. Performance times and ticket information is available at www.operacolumbus.org and www.balletmet.org, respectively.
Emily Gibb is a contributing writer for CityScene.
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