Park City Opera has announced it will bring Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette to the Eccles Center in August 2026, marking the first time French grand opera has been performed in Park City in decades.
Performance Details
The production is scheduled for two performances: August 21 at 7:00 p.m. and August 23 at 3:00 p.m. The opera will be sung in French, though English supertitles will be provided for the audience.
Cast and Orchestra Information
The upcoming production features a 40-player orchestra and a cast including Patrick Bessenbacher as Roméo and Nicole Heinen as Juliette. Other cast members include Jake Stamatis as Mercutio, Joshua Hughes as Père Capulet, and Kevin Spooner as Frère Laurent.
Immersive Event Experience
In addition to the musical performance, the organization plans to offer an immersive experience where attendees can explore art, history, and themed concessions before the show, followed by a Q&A session with the creative team.
Organization Mission and History
Park City Opera, a non-profit organization founded in 2024 by Lena Goldstein, Lisl, and Ben, aims to revive the local musical legacy of Park City's former Main Street opera house. The company focuses on presenting performances in unconventional venues and reimagining the concert experience.
Upcoming 2026 Season Highlights
The 2026 season also includes a production of Aaron Copland’s The Tender Land in July and a free Monday evening concert series titled 'Opera Around the World' at the City Park Bandstand, presented in partnership with Mountain Town Music.