Ridgefield Playhouse Screens Gounod's ROMEO ET JULIETTE Live in HD Tonight

When the pavement is sizzling, The Ridgefield Playhouse provides a cool respite to enjoy a show that has music, drama and romance -- Gounod's Roméo et Juliette starring acclaimed soprano Anna Netrebko and tenor Robert Alagna, from the Met Live in HD tonight, August 16, at 6 p.m. To make the evening even more special, Bernard's (20 West Lane, Ridgefield) is offering a special $45 prix-fixe menu, or a free glass of wine with dinner, the night of this event when tickets are presented; reservations suggested. The Met series is underwritten by Jeanne Cook, Anita and Nicholas Donofrio, Liz and Steven Goldstone, Marilyn and Joe Kreitz, Joanne and John Patrick, Starbucks Coffee, Sabina and Walter Slavin, Taylor Zemo Foundation, The Ridgefield Press and Whistle Stop Bakery with media sponsor WSHU Public Radio Group.

In Gounod's Roméo et Juliette, an operatic interpretation of Shakespeare's timeless love story, soprano Anna Netrebko teams up with tenor Roberto Alagna in a sensual interpretation of the timeless tale, which will be nothing less than extraordinary. Originally premiered in 1867, Gounod's opera was a triumph in its time and is still praised today for its remarkable musical take on Shakespeare. Plácido Domingo presides on the conductor's podium for this tour-de-force presentation. Anna Netrebko has been described by The Associated Press as "the reigning new diva of the 21st century," and her male counterpart, Roberto Alagna, was made a Knight of the French Legion of Honor (2008).

Another spectacular opera Live in HD coming to the Playhouse is Puccini's La Fanciulla del West, starring Deborah Voigt and Marcello Giordani who play their star roles with aplomb, on Friday, August 22, at 6 p.m.

For tickets ($25 adults, $20 seniors and members, $15 students, $18 each for all in the series), call the box office at (203) 438-5795, or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.