Franco Zeffirelli News

The Arena di Verona Opera Festival, renowned for its historic open-air venue, will present a diverse lineup of opera performances from June to September 2026.

Brendan O'Leary (Romeo) and Nadia Ra'Shaun (Juliet) pull back the curtain on the 'young energy' and intense preparation behind their title roles in Shakespeare's most famous tragedy. From the technicalities of 'Juliet Boot Camp' and the secret musicality of Shakespearean vowels to the high-stakes anxiety of playing dead for 16 minutes while school groups watch for a flinch, the duo explores how they keep a 400-year-old story feeling urgent and real.

The Metropolitan Opera’s 2025–26 Live in HD season continues with Puccini’s La Bohème on Saturday, November 8, at 1 p.m. ET, transmitted live to cinemas worldwide.

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Penelope Milford, Academy Award and Drama Desk-nominated actress and Broadway alum, has passed away at the age of 77.

Franco Zeffirelli’s production of Puccini’s La Bohème will return to the Met stage for 20 performances featuring many of today’s leading artists. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Carnegie Hall+—Carnegie Hall’s video streaming channel—will present its first-ever free outdoor film screening this summer. Learn more and see how to attend!

There’s an old expression, “A lawyer who defends himself has a fool for a client.” While John Adams didn’t decide to take on the libretto for his latest opera, Monday night’s Met premiere, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, all on his own, I wonder whether he might have bypassed the one resource that might have been most useful: Arrigo Boito.

A new Shakespeare adaptation is always an event. Juliet & Romeo, a movie musical reimagining of the classic play, tells the familiar story of the star-crossed lovers with a pop twist. Find out what critics think of the movie here!

TDF will celebrate 50 years of its exceptional Costume Collection with a glamorous party, Costumes & Cocktails. Learn more about the event and see who is being honored.

TDF will celebrate 50 years of its exceptional Costume Collection with a glamorous party, Costumes & Cocktails, on Monday, April 7 at Tao Downtown (92 Ninth Avenue).

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Olivia Hussey, best known for her role in the 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has passed away at age 73 from breast cancer.

Angelina Jolie is taking on the role of legendary opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín's new biopic, Maria. Find out what critics think of the new film, now streaming!

Palm Beach Opera has revealed the casts for its 2025 season with Gounod's ROMÉO ET JULIETTE, and more featuring acclaimed artists and debuts at the Kravis Center. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

The snowfall in Act III of Franco Zeffirelli’s staging of Puccini’s La Bohème is one of the most breathtaking moments on the Met stage. Go behind the scenes and watch how the Met Stagehands make the magic happen.

A new Broadway season has arrived at last, full of exciting new shows and revivals of beloved classics. While many of them are original concepts or based on plays, 7 are already films that you can watch from home.

OPERA America has announced the induction of seven exemplary artists, administrators, and advocates to the Opera Hall of Fame as the class of 2024.

PostClassical Ensemble has announced the concert line-up for its 2024-2025 season at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater,* with season packages on-sale now.

Experience the magic of the MET's 2024 Live in HD Summer Encores, set to begin on Wednesday, July 24. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Back in December, I saw the chamber version of John Adams’s EL NINO—dubbed EL NINO: NATIVITY RECONSIDERED—at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Pared down to its essence, it was wonderful, starred two of the singers who made their debuts in the premiere at the Met, soprano Julia Bullock and bass-baritone Davone Tines plus countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, who were at their best. It was a somber evening in a dramatic setting—a far cry from the oratorio/opera’s over-the-top welcome to Lincoln Center last night, in Lileana Blain-Cruz’s production that made me wonder what Franco Zeffirelli might have done with it. Think the Parisian throngs in Act II of the Met’s LA BOHEME (which, of course, is one of the Met’s most popular productions with audiences).

Yes, a grand opera was inserted at Belk Theater as the clock or calendar was winding down! Around the world, Callas, Nilsson, and Sutherland are among the divas who have graced the powerhouse role of TURANDOT, and Franco Zeffirelli's production at the Met is as revered for its stateliness and splendor as the Notre Dame Cathedral. Grand? Monumental.