Two Houses, Both Alike In Dignity...

The Metropolitan Opera presents Barlett Sher's lushly vivid production of Gounod's romantic opera once more this season. Adapted from Shakespeare's classic tale of star-crossed lovers stuck in the crossfire of their feuding families, this production sees Nadine Sierra as Juliet alongside Benjamin Bernheim sharing the role of Romeo.

What is the story?

Two warring families in old Verona are ordered on pain of death by the Prince to put aside their differences and end the skirmishes for the sake of their city. However, the families, the Capulets and Montagues have other ideas. When the only son of Lord and Lady Montague, Romeo, spots the daughter of the Capulets, Juliet at a party they are instantly besotted with each other and vow not to let their families get in the way of true love.

However, simmering tensions between the families explodes after the two elope, and a double murder sees Romeo exiled outside the city, and Juliet betrothed to another. Can the two lovers find a way back to each other, or are they doomed to live out the curse of their families' actions?