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Romeo & Juliet:
A Tragedy?
Adaptation of Roméo et Juliette (Gounod, Barbier, Carré) and the play by William Shakespeare
When Romeo sneaks into Juliet’s birthday party, the two young people meet, fall in love, and change their rival families' story forever. This adaptation of the classic story grapples with the timeless themes of love, justice, compassion, and understanding.
With two possible endings, schools choose which they prefer to experience or let students "choose their own adventure" allowing them to vote, in real time, on the ending they wish to see.
Approx. 35 min
Cast List
Juliet, Performer #1— Soprano
Nurse, Tybalt, Performer #3— Mezzo-Soprano
Romeo, Performer #2— Tenor
Mercutio, Friar Lawrence, Performer #4— Baritone
Past Productions
Toledo Opera (2018, 2019)
Photos
 Romeo & Juliet: A Tragedy?Toledo Opera, 2019 |  Romeo & Juliet: A Tragedy?Toledo Opera, 2019 |  Romeo & Juliet: A Tragedy?Toledo Opera, 2019 |
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 Romeo & Juliet: A Tragedy?Toledo Opera, 2019 |  Romeo & Juliet: A Tragedy?Toledo Opera, 2019 |
Perusal Scripts
Selections from libretto below. Contact Opera Classroom for perusal piano/vocal score.
Prologue Excerpt
Read the prologue to Romeo & Juliet: A Tragedy? Introducing two possible endings, this prologue sets the scene in true Shakespearean fashion.
Scene 3 Excerpt
After the secret wedding of Romeo and Juliet, Tybalt, Juliet's cousin, picks a fight with Mercutio, Romeo's best friend. Tensions escalate when a fight breaks out in the town square.
Final Scene Excerpt
Read the end of the opera where students can vote on which ending they prefer (or schools can choose based on curriculum and target audience).