Commentary “Romeo and Juliet” seems to be the most popular story in Southern California this season. Both of San Diego’s major ballet companies, plus two regional SoCal opera companies, performed a version of this famous romance. I had the pleasure of seeing all of these productions, at least partially. The final of these was from…

Commentary “Romeo and Juliet” is one of the most famous stories of all time. Originating from the ancient Greek tale of Pyramus and Thisbe, the melodrama of the star-crossed lovers has been adapted to stage and screen countless times in different genres. It’s been the basis for numerous operas in many languages. The most famous…

Not Rated | 2 hrs 5 min | Drama Romance | Aug. 20, 1936 “Romeo and Juliet” is the quintessential love story. The pair of star-crossed lovers from fair Verona were glorified by William Shakespeare’s pen, but the immortal pen didn’t invent the story. The tragic love story drew inspiration from an ancient Greek tale….

Franco Zeffirelli was a well-respected Italian stage and film director, producer, production designer, and politician. So when Zeffirelli, in his role as the director of the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” allegedly told teenage actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting there would be no nudity shown, they said they believed him. It turned out not…