Greer's OC

Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents the dazzling Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo making its long-awaited return to the Center with Romeo and Juliet from Friday, April 15 to Sunday, April 17.

Considered by many to be the iconic ballet of renowned choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot, Romeo and Juliet has been performed more than 250 times around the world, usually greeted with rousing standing ovations -- and has been added to the repertoire of seven major dance companies.

Maillot’s Romeo and Juliet is a ballet that harmoniously unites classical ballet and contemporary dance to create a truly cinematic style of modern theater. With the quality, youthful energy, and elegance that characterizes this distinguished company, this remarkable version is one of the most beautiful ballets adapted from Shakespeare's masterpieces seen today.

Knowing audiences arrive with a certain knowledge of Shakespeare’s story freed Maillot to create an original perspective told through a series of flashbacks. Stripping away the flowery balconies into a streamlined stage design that speaks to the heart, the only accessories required by the choreographer are own emotional responses and the memory of our first loves.

 For Maillot, Romeo is a young irresponsible, and disoriented when he stumbles upon a new sweetheart who causes him to forget his past conquests, while Juliet has fallen in love for the very first time. The feelings she experiences are powerful enough to elevate Romeo to the status of an embodiment of love rather than merely a lover. Absolute love in contrast to which everything else pales into insignificance.

Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo ROMEO ET JULIETTE Choreographed by Jean-Christophe Maillot

Friday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, April 17 at 1:00 p.m.

Segerstrom Center the Arts at Segerstrom Hall

600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. (714) 556-2787

Box Office open Monday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Tuesday through Friday 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Saturdays and Sundays

Tickets start at $29 Online - SCFTA.org Group Sales - (714) 755-0236