Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...The new-to-Chicago production of Gounod's "Romeo et Juliette" that concludes Lyric's current main stage season must be reckoned among the hits."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...The first conclusion you might reach after watching Lyric Opera's production of "Romeo and Juliet" - the 1867 opera by Charles Gounod, with a libretto by Jules Barbier and Michael Carre based on the Shakespeare play - is that the French should be forbidden from adapting the work of the Bard."
Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended
"...Although it's a period piece, Romeo and Juliet's brisk pacing, streamlined set and slightly edgy costuming give the production a modern feel that is sure to appeal to the younger, contemporary audience Lyric is currently courting. The luscious music and marvelous singing should leave longtime fans of romantic opera and newbies alike more than satisfied. Once again, Lyric Opera has succeeded in creating the truly grand, and leaves us all wishing the season weren't coming to an end so soon."
ShowBizChicago - Recommended
"...Conductor Emmanuel Villaume sets just the right tempos and nuances to provide a lush, rich sound. The Lyric unquestionably has one of the finest orchestras in the country if not the world."
Chicago On the Aisle - Highly Recommended
"...For the authentic meaning of music-drama, as an ideal melding of theater with the emotional accentuation of words buoyed by music, look no further than the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s riveting and vocally splendid production of Gounod’s “Romeo and Juliet.”"
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...French conductor Emmanuel Villaume moves the music forward ever so deftly, keeping it wonderfully lithe and lively. Indeed, Romeo and Juliet comprises a gorgeous combination of Elizabethan drama and French Romanticism. Gounod’s delightful interpretation of the Shakespearean classic should be seen and enjoyed by all."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Broadway director Bartlett Sher’s production of Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette premiered in Salzburg, but this is the first opportunity Chicago audiences will have to see his beautiful staging. This is also an exciting opportunity to hear Gounod’s rich, dramatic score, which while distinctly rooted in the romantic grand opera revivals of 1867 France, includes enough coloratura at times to evidence a baroque influence. Excelling in both spectacle and music, Roméo et Juliette is a magnificent opera, as well as a fascinating look into how Shakespeare was adapted in the nineteenth century."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...The Lyric's production puts its own spin on the famed play and should be seen by all. Aside from a few sexual innuendos, the show is appropriate for most ages. At the performance I was at, there were children as young as ten. While it might not be possible for them to sit through a three hour performance, it's an excellent show for them to see."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...Charles Gounod matches Shakespeare’s tale with a sweeping, timeless romance. Under the steady baton of Conductor Emmanuel Villaums, the tempo goes from merry antics to love declarations to spirited confrontation to eternal devotion. Aside from the main love story of Phillips and Calleja,there are splendid supporting performances throughout the opera. The sprightly Marianne Crebassa (Stephano) sings a beautiful, mocking serenade during Act 3. In addition, Deborah Nansteel (Gertrude) brings a delightful combination of moxie and maternal to the nurse role."
Third Coast Review - Recommended
"...Here, the pair has a luxurious re-acquaintance when Juliet wakes up. Romeo has drunk the poison, but remains alert and pain free enough to sing a poignant piece with his love. The music is romantic, but the narrative is hollow. They sing, “Viens fuyons au bout du monde” (Come, let us fly to the ends of the earth) because they certainly aren’t going to heaven after suicide."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Chock-full of dancing and swordplay, this “Roméo et Juliette” asks much of its artists, delivering a lavish close to Lyric’s 2015/16 season."
