Roméo et Juliette

Charles Gounod's 1867 adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy about doomed young lovers isn't entirely faithful to its source—subtracting scenes, while also introducing Romeo's troublemaking page, and having Juliette wake from her slumber before Romeo dies to allow for a soaring final duet. But on its own terms, this is a lovely and elegant opera, while Verona, naturally, would seem to be the perfect venue. Unfortunately, however, the city's cavernous outdoor arena induces director Francesco Micheli to run riot with the staging, ultimately smothering this sweet, lyrical piece in empty spectacle, including a corrugated shack from which the story “emerges,” tall defensive towers for the Montague and Capulet families, and—most absurd—a flying machine for Queen Mab. The bewildering costumes feature shiny vinyl and feathers, part of a motif in which Juliette is portrayed as a caged bird (to reinforce the characters' emotions, weirdly costumed dancers also periodically appear to “enact” their mood swings). The orchestra plays decently, even if the tempos favored by Fabio Mastrangelo push the limits. But among the singers, only Nino Machaidze, as Juliette, stands out; she is strikingly beautiful and her strong soprano handles most of the role's demands. By contrast, Stefano Secco sings Romeo adequately, but doesn't look the part and he adopts an unsuitably stiff demeanor. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, this disappointing production is optional, at best. (F. Swietek)