The musical Romeo and Juliet had its world premiere on January 19, 2001, in Paris, enjoying resounding success: over 2 million spectators in a single year, gold, platinum, and diamond records, record sales of albums and DVDs (over 6 million copies), hits that occupied the #1 spot in the charts for 32 consecutive weeks, and the award for the best-selling album of the year. Subsequently, the show was staged with the same success in numerous cities around the world, including London, Budapest, Vienna, Moscow, Seoul, Taipei, and Montreal.
In Romania, the musical premiered in 2009 on the stage of the "Ion Dacian" National Operetta and Musical Theatre, being among the most beloved productions in the institution's history. At that time, the direction and adaptation of the original version were signed by KERO, who returns in 2025 to give new life to this landmark production. This year's revival marks not only the return of an iconic title but also a staging where past and present blend harmoniously. Some of the artists from the original cast are returning for this production as well, however, in some cases, in different roles than those that made them famous 15 years ago. These changes reflect both their artistic evolution and a natural casting, appropriate for their current age and experience.
The staging remains faithful to the vision that transformed this musical into an international phenomenon, preserving the ingenuity and emotional force that captivated audiences from its very first performance in Romania. At the same time, the passage of time brings an added artistic maturity, and the experience gained over 15 years is reflected in refined directorial details and the fresh energy of the show. Although the original structure and spirit remain unchanged, new directorial nuances will enrich this production, offering both loyal spectators and the new generation an intense, vibrant, and profoundly moving experience.
by William Shakespeare
Translation: Ernest Fazakas
Direction: KERO
Choreography: Eva Duda
Costumes: Rita Velich
Dance Master: Viktoria Barta
Assistant Choreography: Gabor Bona
Set Design: Bela Gotz
Assistant Directors: Lorand Barta and Sorina Micșunescu
Choir Conductor: Aurel Muraru
Cast:
Romeo: Octavian Ene
Juliet: Dumitrița Sinița
Mercutio: Victor Ion
Benvolio: Dragoș Ioniță
Tybalt: Dragoș Moldovan
Paris: Florin Budnaru
Prince of Verona: Victor Bucur
Lady Capulet: Georgiana Mototolea
Lady Montague: Adina Sima
Father Lorenzo: Florin Ganea
Nurse: Tina Munteanu
Capulet: Anton Zidaru
Supporting Roles:
Lover: Alexandru Conache
Roza: Sabina Ioniță
Groom: Alexandru Vasile
Seamstress: Roxana Rusu-Tibreanu
Vicenzo: George Olar
Peter: Cristian Grigorescu
Tybalt's Servant: Marius Merdicos
Musical Direction: Constantin Adrian Grigore