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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.

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Approx. 35 min

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Cast List

Juliet, Performer #1— Soprano

Nurse, Tybalt, Performer #3— Mezzo-Soprano

Romeo, Performer #2— Tenor

Mercutio, Friar Lawrence, Performer #4— Baritone

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Past Productions

Toledo Opera (2018, 2019)

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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).

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