We can’t call Stephen Costello and Ailyn Pérez the home town couple anymore in Philly, since they have moved to a southern city, but it’s always good to have them back with us, even in the winter. Ms. Pérez and Mr. Costello returned on Sunday to play the star-crossed lovers in the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s production of Romeo & Juliet opening on February 11th. Both artists have played the celebrated lovers with other companies, and other artists, but they played opposite one another in the San Diego Opera’s March 2010 production. Thanks to Tracy Galligher from OCP for sending us this great link for information on Stephen and Ailyn and OCP's production.
This production has something quite special about it. Instead of Renaissance Verona, it will be set in the glittering world of modern high fashion. According to OCP’s website “Director Manfred Schweigkofler conceives this new production that paints the Capulets and Montagues as dueling fashion houses. Against a backdrop of models, paparazzi and high style, Romeo and Juliet's love for each other unfolds to its deadly conclusion” And “Students from Drexel University, Moore College of Art at Design and Philadelphia College create avant-garde costumes for the show.” Now that’s hot!
Stephen and Ailyn are not the only AVA’ers on stage in this production. Alum Daniel Mobbs is making his OCP debut as Capulet and will return as Angelotti in Tosca. Resident Artists Olivia Vote and Taylor Stayton will take on the roles of Gertrude and Tybalt.
If you’re a follower of Stephen and Ailyn, you can see them in Faust with San Diego Opera in April. Also AVA has just is about to release information on their upcoming trip to Santa Fe in July to hear tenor Bryan Hymel and Ailyn Pérez in Santa Fe Opera’s production of Faust.
*Thanks to OCP and Adam Leigh-Manuell for the photo
Comments