Performing Arts

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet has been reinvented in musical theater, symphonic works, opera, and dance. In this section, you will read detailed information about significant stage performances based on the timeless Elizabethan classic.

West Side Story

Although West Side Story was not the only musical produced that was based on Shakespeare's tragic romance, it is certainly the most well-known and widely performed. In this section, you can read background information on the popular musical and access a table highlighting similarities between the musical and the original play.

Opera

In this section, you will explore operatic versions of Shakespeare's tragic romance, including in-depth information about operas by Gounod, Bellini, and Delius, and the composers themselves.

Ballet

Countless ballets have been set to scores by Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Berlioz, and Delius. Find out how various choreographers have altered Shakespeare's plot using music by these and other great composers. Also read about Prokofiev and his wonderful score, the most utilized ballet score on Romeo and Juliet.

Symphonic works

Have you ever wondered what Juliet would sound like if she were represented as an instrument in an orchestra? What about Friar Lawrence? Russian composer Tchaikovsky and French composer Berlioz have both created symphonies based on events and characters in Romeo and Juliet. Read about these works and more in this section.