The tragedy’s story is the familiar one of the two “star-cross’d lovers” who could end the bitter feud between their families by their own deaths together. Second in popularity only to Faust among Gounod’s operas, this one is filled with beautiful arias and duets. The two leading roles will be sung by Madison’s own diva, soprano Emily Birsan and tenor John Irvin. John DeMain will conduct.

This is Charles Gounod’s romantic drama, Romeo & Juliet, based on the Shakespeare play. The Madison Opera production is scheduled to coincide with the arrival in Madison of the touring display of Shakespeare’s First Folio, at Chazen Museum of Art.