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Romeo and Juliet Week 1

This week we'll begin our comparison of Romeo and Juliet by looking at the scene where the two lovers meet in Shakespeare's play and in Gounod's opera.

We'll also have a peek at the Opera Company's latest Random Act of Culture and a free events on February 6th and February 12th.

Video Clip of the Week
When Romeo and Juliet meet for the first time at the Capulet ball, time seems to stand still in the excitement of the moment. We'll take a look at the same scene from the wildly popular and opulent 1968 film by Franco Zeffirelli which cast teenagers Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey in the roles, then in Baz Luhrman's updated version to "Verona Beach" with Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio, then the same scene from the opera with Roberto Alagna and Leontina Vaduva from the Royal Opera Covent Garden in the min 1990s. How are they similar? How are they different? Which couple is the most innocent? Which honors Shakespeare's intentions most?

Franco Zefirelli film


Baz Luhrman film - look out for Paul Rudd as David Paris and Diane Venora as Gloria Capulet


Gounod's Opera - with French subtitles, but you can follow along on the bottom of page 21 at "Adorable angel."


Random Act of Culture
On Saturday, January 8th the Opera Company of Philadelphia hit the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia to perform the Toreador Song, "Votre toast," from Bizet's Carmen to unsuspecting shoppers. Enjoy!



Web Site of the Week
There's all sorts of great information about Romeo and Juliet, fashion, the OCP cast and more online. We've put some of the best links right at one spot - the Sounds of Learning page for Romeo and Juliet. Visit http://www.operaphila.org/community/sol-prod2.shtml to all the information you need to further your enjoyment of the opera! The more prepared you are, the more you'll get out of the experience.

Free Upcoming Opera Events
There are two great ways to learn more about opera, Romeo & Juliet and more! On Saturday, February 8th, the Opera Company presents a free recital of music from Romeo and Juliet at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts from 2-3 pm. Visit A Taste of Opera online to learn more.

On February 12, 2011, the Opera Company presents the PNC Arts Alive Family Day at the Opera, a day long event with hands on activities for people of all ages. Held from 10 AM - 4 PM at the Academy of music, this event is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the arts and careers in the arts...and it's absolutely FREE! Learn how to sing and dance, witness stage combat demonstrations, go into the orchestra pit and dressing rooms of the Academy of Music, and right onto the set of Romeo and Juliet! For more information visit our website at www.operaphila.org.

Until next week...

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