Roméo & Juliette

PROLOGUE

The ensemble introduces the story of the endless feud between the Montague and Capulet families, and of the love between their children, Roméo and Juliette.

ACT I

Verona, 14th century. At a masked ball at the Capulet palace, Tybalt waits for his cousin Juliette and assures her suitor, Count Paris, that her beauty will overwhelm him. Lord Capulet presents his daughter to the guests, then invites everyone to dance. When the guests go in to dinner, Roméo, a Montague, sneaks into the party with his friends Mercutio, Benvolio, and Stepháno. He tells them about a strange dream he has had, but Mercutio playfully dismisses it as the work of the fairy Queen Man. Roméo sees Juliette as she runs through the ballroom and is instantly entranced with her, but he is whisked away by his friends. Stopped by her nurse, Juliette says that she is not interested in marriage, but when Roméo returns and approaches her, their attraction is undeniable. When Tybalt enters, Roméo quickly masks and rushes off. Tybalt identifies the intruder as Montague’s son, but Capulet restrains him, ordering the party to continue.

ACT II

Later that night, Roméo enters the Capulet’s garden, looking for Juliette. When she steps out onto her balcony to bemoan their families feuding, he comes forward and declares his love. They are briefly interrupted by Capulets seeking the Montague intruders, but once alone again, they vow to marry.

ACT III, Scene 1

Roméo comes to Friar Laurent’s cell at daybreak, followed by Juliette and her nurse, Gertrude. Convinced of their love, the priest agrees to marry them, hoping that this union will end the fighting between their families.

INTERMISSION

ACT III, Scene 2

Outside Capulet’s house, Stéphano sings a mocking song which provokes a fight with Gregorio, a servant of the Capulets. Mercutio arrives to protect Stéphano and is challenged by Tybalt. Roméo appears and tries to make peace, telling Tybalt that the time for hatred is past. Frustrated by this seeming cowardice, Mercutio fights with Tybalt and is killed. Overwhelmed by grief at his friend’s death, Roméo slays Tybalt. The Duke of Verona arrives, and both factions cry for justice. Roméo is exiled from the city, but vows to see Juliette one last time.

ACT IV

Roméo and Juliette awake after their secret wedding night. She forgives him for killing her cousin, and after they have pledged their eternal love, Roméo reluctantly leaves for exile. Lord and Lady Capulet tier to tell their daughter that she will be married to Paris that same day, in accordance with Tybalt’s dying wishes. She pleads Friar Laurent for his help and he gives her a sleeping potion he has crafted that will make her appear to be dead. He promises that he will send word to Roméo, who will be at her side when she awakes. Juliette drinks the potion and collapses.

ACT V

Friar Laurent learns that his letter to Roméo explaining the sleeping potion was never delivered. Arriving at Capulet’s crypt, Roméo believes Juliette to be dead, so he drinks poison. At that moment, she awakes, and the lovers share a final dream of a future together. As Roméo grows weaker, Juliette uses his dagger to stab herself so that they may always be together. The lovers die praying for God’s forgiveness.