Romeo and Juliet

June 7 – June 17, 2012

Closing out the 2011-2012 Season, Houston Ballet presents Romeo and Juliet, June 7 through June 17, 2012, in the Wortham Center – Brown Theater. Houston Ballet celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Wortham Theater Center with a revival of the production that inaugurated the facility.

Set in 16th century Verona, Romeo and Juliet chronicles Shakespeare’s tale of two beautiful teenagers from families on opposing sides of a bitter feud. With its sweepingly regal ballroom scenes, vivacious swordplay and poignant pas de deux, Ben Stevenson’s production is a feast for the eyes.

Principal Sara Webb reprises the role of Juliet, partnered by newly promoted principal Joseph Walsh, who will give his first performance as Romeo in June. Principal Melody Mennite will be partnered by principalConnor Walsh, with both making title role debuts. Principal Amy Fote will appear opposite principal Simon Ball, who last performed as Romeo in 2005. While Ms. Fote has appeared in Bruce Wells’s production ofRomeo and Juliet for Milwaukee Ballet, these performances in Houston will mark the first time that she has performed Ben Stevenson’s staging of the work. Soloist Karina Gonzalez also makes her debut as Juliet and will perform opposite Ian Casady.

With impassioned dance and bold theatrics, it’s an ideal showcase for the company’s newest stars. The ballet that inaugurated Wortham Theater Center in 1987 is back in this, our inaugural season rehearsing in the new Center for Dance.

Pictured:  Romeo and Juliet, Dancers: Karina Gonzalez and Joseph Walsh. Photo by: Amitava Sarkar.