Opening Night at the Canadian Opera Company's Roméo et Juliette
There’s a certain giddiness that a truly special evening inspires
—a feeling that brings you back to childhood dreams of fairytales and grand balls. It's the thrill of transformation, the permission to step into a more romantic version of yourself for a few precious hours. That was the excitement bubbling up in me on my way to the Canadian Opera Company’s opening night of Roméo et Juliette, an excitement that promised the world was about to be washed in music, drama, and a little bit of magic.
The Look: A Nod to Juliette
“One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.”
Oscar Wilde probably wasn’t thinking about a Saturday night in Toronto, but his words felt like the perfect mantra for the Canadian Opera Company’s 2025 opening night.
And every grand evening calls for the perfect gown. For a story like Roméo et Juliette, it had to be this flowing pink Michael Costello tiered tulle creation, a dress that felt like it was made for a balcony scene.
While the Canadian Opera Company has a wonderfully welcoming 'no dress code' policy, nights like these feel like a collective agreement to indulge in our most glamorous selves. It's an invitation to be the main character, and I was happy to accept.
I even brought my own opera glasses and a pair of classic black opera gloves, ready to fully commit to the fantasy. In a sweet twist, the gloves looked absolutely perfect with Janviere’s black and white look, so I lent them to her —a little moment of friendship and shared glamour before the show.
This is the first time that Romeo et Juliette is returning to the COC stage in 30 years!
The magic began to sparkle in the Henry Jackman Lounge, an enchanting space filled with the gentle hum of anticipation.
To kick off an evening of romance, it only felt right to order their themed cocktail, "The Love Potion 22." With our drinks in hand, my friend Janviere and I found a corner to ourselves, ordered delicious light bites (charcuterie and cheese, mini smoked salmon and egg salad sandwiches) and soaking in the atmosphere.
We also ran into some other content creator and media friends! It's moments like these, supported by the incredible Canadian Opera Company—the largest in Canada—that make you feel so connected to the vibrant pulse of the Toronto's art scene.
My sparkling gold purse is from Melanie Lyne ✨️
The Venue: A Modern Cathedral for the Arts
Part of the experience is simply being inside the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Opened in 2006, it was the first building of its kind in Canada—a hall designed specifically for the acoustics of opera and ballet. The stunning five-tiered, horseshoe-shaped auditorium is a modern homage to the classic opera houses of Europe, engineered so the unamplified human voice can soar to every seat with breathtaking clarity. You don’t just hear the music here; you feel it resonate in your bones.
Being in a space built with such intention—every detail crafted to elevate the story and the music—is part of the magic itself.
Image Credit- The Canadian Encyclopedia
But the true magic of the evening, as it so often is, was found in the way fashion has of creating its own language... connecting you with others in small, sparkling moments.
This gown, my little piece of the fairytale, became a bridge. I was stopped by two lovely ladies who began saying something to me in French, but switched to English when they saw my confused smile. They compliment the gown and said I looked so elegant 🥹. During intermission, a young girl in a blue dress and shawl shyly approached to tell me she loved my dress. I told her how I loved her beautiful blue on blue outfit ! A moment straight out of a storybook. Later on in the evening a group of girls passing by were also hyping me up as I took some final photos outside - so sweet!
The Performance: Gounod's Vision of Verona
Then, the lights dimmed. Directed by Amy Lane, the Canadian Opera Company's production of Roméo et Juliette was immediately captivating. The opera, which first premiered in 1867, is famous for its four soaring love duets, and the chemistry between soprano Kseniia Proshina (Juliette) and tenor Stephen Costello (Roméo) was undeniable. Their voices filled the hall, sweeping through the theatre and filling every corner with timeless romance.
In a magical full-circle moment, I saw Juliette appear on stage in a whimsical pink dress, not unlike my own.
While I had to play Cinderella and slip out during intermission, the piece of the performance I witnessed was a powerful reminder of why we seek out these experiences. They are a chance to live out a little dream, to feel deeply, and to remember the giddiness of dressing up for a grand ball.
Image Credit- COC
A heartfelt thank you to Colette and the team at Blue Door Agency and the Canadian Opera Company for a truly stunning and memorable opening night. It was a beautiful reminder of the magic that happens when a timeless story takes center stage and a room full of people who believe in it!
Be sure to catch Romeo Et Juliette from now until October 18 - Use Promo Code BLCOC15 for 15% OFF
The offer is for tickets during fall season. The code excludes Opera Under 30, Grand Ring, Ring 5 Middle, and $35 tickets, and is not applicable to previously made purchases or other mainstage operas.
Important info from COC :
• Enjoy the full experience of opera without the worry of missing out – SURTITLES™ (subtitles that are projected above the stage) are available for every performance, so you’ll always know what’s being sung.
• The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is right in downtown Toronto, easy to get to, and surrounded by food, nightlife, and culture. It’s not just an event, it’s a whole experience.
• All of the performances are different! Some are romantic, some are dark, some are straight-up surreal. Whether you love drama, visual art, or just trying new things, there’s something that will surprise you this season.
With Love & Style,
Betty Lam
Canadian Opera Company
Four Seasons Centre For The Performing Arts
145 Queen St. W, Toronto, ON