Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette” stands or falls on the basis of the singers who play the iconic roles. In the production by the Los Angeles Opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the two stars are delightful as the doomed lovers.
Nino Machaidze is radiant as Juliet, a beautiful young woman with a Scarlett O’Hara figure. Her voice is strong and sure as she handles her arias and duets with confidence. When she appears as a young girl of 14, wearing an exquisite white gown, it is easy to understand Romeo’s attraction. Her acting is impeccable, as she changes from innocent girl to assured womanhood.
Romeo is played by Vittorio Grigolo, a handsome young man with a powerful tenor voice. He throws himself into the role, sometimes a little too vigorously. But the lovemaking is charming and there is definitely chemistry between them.
It is unfortunate that the opera company could not provide them with a better set. A cumbrous, three-story structure looks like it has been made with giant Erector Set pieces. There are staircases in the buildings and the members of the cast must run up and down for no particular reason. It is especially annoying to see Juliet on a cage-like balcony.
Other singers in the cast are all excellent, including the wonderful Vladimir Chernov as Lord Capulet, Vitalij Kowaljo as Friar Laurence, Alexey Sayapin as Tybalt, Museop Kim as Mercutio and Ronnita Nicole Miller as Nurse.
The set makes it difficult for director Ian Judge to manage the huge cast. Even the costumes look more like pioneer Kansas than wealthy Verona.
Fortunately, Plácido Domingo has found time (no one knows how) to serve as conductor. Like everything else he does, he does it well, getting a sparkling performance from the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra.