National Ballet of Canada: Romeo and Juliet

Guillaume Côté and Elena Lobsanova in Romeo and Juliet. Photo by Bruce Zinger.

The National Ballet of Canada brings Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers vividly to life in this gorgeous production of Romeo and Juliet, now on stage at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. The show is back by popular demand after a highly acclaimed world premiere in November 2011.

Starring principal dancer Guillaume Côté as Romeo and first soloist Elena Lobsanova as the young Juliet, this beautifully choreographed adaptation features elegant sets and rich costumes by Richard Hudson, complemented by Jennifer Tipton’s creative lighting design. The title characters perform with grace, emotion and electric chemistry, reenacting the tragic story through the power of movement. Accompanied by Sergei Prokofiev’s haunting score (conducted by guest conductor Ormsby Wilkins), this talented pair will send your heart soaring.

The supporting cast of Romeo and Juliet is also remarkable. Feuding family members and friends include: Romeo’s mischievous allies Mercutio (Piotr Stanczyk) and Benvolio (Robert Stephen), Juliet’s vengeful cousin Tybalt (Jiří Jelinek) and her Nurse (Loma Geddes), Lord Capulet (Etienne Lavigne), Lady Capulet (Alejandra Perez-Gomez), Paris (Patrick Lavoie), Lord Montague (Kevin D. Bowles), Lady Montague (Juri Hiraoka), and Friar Lawrence (Tomas Schramek), as well as the nobles and citizens of Verona (Artists of the Ballet). This enchanting ensemble offers a colourful portrayal of life in Renaissance Italy—a romantic escape from the ordinary on a dreary March day.

The National Ballet's Romeo and Juliet is a production that the whole family will enjoy. Don’t miss your chance to see this polished gem of a performance.

Romeo and Juliet runs until March 17 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Visit nationalballet.ca for more information and to buy tickets.

Gallery