Friday, June 19, 2026, 8:00 pm
Sunday, June 21, 2026, 3:00 pm
New Hazlett Theater, Northside
“Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona where we lay our scene…”
Experience one of the most famous tragic love stories like you’ve never seen it before! This fresh new immersive production of Gounod’s gorgeous romantic opera was created by stage director Justin Lucero and our own Maria Sensi Sellner at El Paso Opera to bring you into the heart of the storytelling. Reimagining the grandest of operas in an intimate way increases the dramatic potency, though you’ll want to steer clear of the Friar’s potions…. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of opera’s most beautiful scores, not heard in Pittsburgh in 20 years!
Cast & Creatives
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Helen Zhibing Huang
JULIETTE
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Benjamin Werley
ROMÉO
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Philip Cokorinos
FRÈRE LAURENT
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Ricardo Herrera
LORD CAPULET
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Patrick McNally
MERCUTIO
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George Milosh
TYBALT
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Cherry Duke
GERTRUDE
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Justin Lucero
STAGE DIRECTOR
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Maria Sensi Sellner
CONDUCTOR/PRODUCER
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Sara Chiesa
REHEARSAL PIANIST
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Kate Johnson
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
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ArianMarie Moye
COSTUME DESIGN
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Annmarie Duggan
LIGHTING DESIGN
About the Show:
Shakespeare’s tale and Gounod’s score are brought to life by a spectacular ensemble cast led by returning soprano Helen Zhibing Huang as Juliette, and Pittsburgh-native tenor Ben Werley as Roméo, in his Resonance Works debut. Also making their company debuts are acclaimed bass Philip Cokorinos as Friar Laurence, bass-baritone Ricardo Herrera in the role of Juliette’s father, Lord Capulet, and “supremely versatile” mezzo-soprano Cherry Duke as Gertrude. Returning favorites George Milosh and Patrick McNally find themselves on the opposite sides of this centuries-old feud as Juliette’s cousin Tybalt and Roméo’s friend Mercutio.
Stage director Justin Lucero makes his Resonance Works debut with this production, but is no stranger to Pittsburgh, having served on the faculty of the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. He is currently the Artistic Director of Theater Latté Da in Minneapolis.
“Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.”
— prologue to Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet
Free Community Preview Events:
Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m.
Andrew Carnegie Free Library, Carnegie, PA
What happens when Shakespeare meets opera? Come find out!
Artistic & General Director Maria Sensi Sellner, will guide you through a reader's theater exploration of Shakespeare's beloved play, an immersive look at Gounod's operatic vision, and a live performance of the stunning balcony aria "Ah, lève-toi, soleil" — performed by our very own Roméo, Benjamin Werley and pianist Robert Frankenberry.
No ticket required! Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is appreciated. Get all the details at this link!
Sunday, June 7 at 3 p.m.
Acclamation Brewing, Verona, PA
Come for the arias, stay for the ale - in our own fair Verona… PA!
Enjoy craft beer and live selections from one of the world’s most famous love stories performed by our cast, meet the artists, and chat with Artistic and General Director Maria Sensi Sellner. Whether you’re a lifelong opera fan or opera-curious, this is the perfect low-key introduction to what promises to be an unforgettable production.
Free and open to the community. Food and drink available for purchase.
Roméo & Juliette on the ResWorks Blog:
New Hazlett Theater
6 Allegheny Square East
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
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coming soon!
If you have further questions about accessibility, please do not hesitate to contact Brennan Sellner at brennan@resworks.org or 412-501-3330 (please note that this is an office number, and cannot receive texts).