Romeo & Juliette returning to Tennessee Theatre Valentine's Weekend

Zulimar López‐ Hernández and Noah Stewart star in Romeo & Juliette.
Image by Knoxville Opera.

It's a perfect pair. Shakespeare's tragic tale of star‐crossed lovers on the balcony and the grand music of Gounod at the Tennessee Theatre. The timeless classic has been adapted in countless plays, films, in pop culture, dance, and books but finds its best expression set to music in Gounod's lush opera. Knoxville Opera last presented Romeo & Juliette 10 years ago and is eager to showcase an incredible pool of talented and beautiful performers.

San Francisco Opera's sensational Noah Stewart, sponsored by Jon E. Nix, and Puerto Rico's enchanting Zulimar López‐ Hernández, sponsored by Mary and Joe Sullivan, star as the passionate, ill‐fated lovers. Alex Bumpas, Ian Richardson, Jesse Stock, Brent Reilly Turner, Dixie Roberts, Kevin Doherty, Andrew Wentzel, Sarah Fitch, Boris Van Druff and Ryland Pope round out the incredible cast directed by celebrated stage director, Candace Evans. UT Associate Professor John Sipes, serves as fight director.

"We're so excited to welcome Zuly, Noah and this terrific cast to Knoxville for our production." says Executive Director and Conductor, Brian Salesky. "This story deserves the incredible talent we've summoned for Valentine's weekend. First‐timers and longtime opera fans alike will revel in Shakespeare's tale of young love, told through Gounod's music presented by Knoxville Symphony Orchestra".

Performances are at the Tennessee Theatre on Friday, February 10 at 8:00pm and Sunday, February 12 at 2:30pm. Brief dramatic readings from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in English, will be incorporated into the opera performance, narrated by acclaimed journalist and former WBIR co‐anchor, Bill Williams.

All Knoxville Opera performances feature projected English translations. Tickets for Knoxville Opera productions start at $18 for adults and $13 for students. Group discounts and subscriptions are available. Seating is limited, and advance tickets are highly recommended. For details go to KnoxvilleOpera.com or call 865-524-0795.

Published February 9, 2012