Shake(speare) things up!

If you've been to the theater, you know Shakespeare! If you've never been to a theater, chances are, you still know Shakespeare! From generation to generation, Shakespeare's works have been adapted into fresh new stories, poems, movies, and Broadway musicals! In fact, you might have seen a recent movie (maybe Disney's newest Lion King!) and had no idea that the very root of the storyline came from one of Shakespeare's works. Well we can't have that, can we?? To appreciate what you're seeing (and to be one of the brightest arts enthusiast in the room during your next dinner party), it's important to know where it all came from.

So, this week, we've rounded up a few of our favorites to unveil how some of Shakespeare's most profound works are the underlining core of some of the most well-known performances of today (that are being streamed this week!). Get ready to be dazzled... ?

Opera

Photo: The Metropolitan Opera

Verdi's 'Macbeth' - The Metropolitan Opera

Streaming Dates: Saturday, June 5 at 7:30pm ET - Sunday, June 6 at 6:30pm ET

Let's face it. Opera LOVES Shakespeare. Many of his plays have been set to stunning music by composers over the years, but one of "the Bard's" (AKA: the masterful poet, Shakespeare) biggest fans was Giuseppe Verdi. From 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' to 'Othello,' Verdi transformed Shakespeare's words into an entirely different genre. But let it be known, his 'Macbeth' takes the cake and is an absolute masterpiece. If you're looking for a dramatic storyline, dramatic music, and a dramatic and moody setting, this is for you my friend!

Addict Insider: This all-star cast from The Metropolitan Opera hits all the marks when it comes to what we want to see on stage and why we keep heading back to the opera house! This stream is available to stream on demand, so get some popcorn and buckle in for a powerful performance.

Watch here to watch!

Dance

Romeo & Juliet - Prague National Ballet

Streaming Date: Currently Available On-Demand

This OG love story has made its way into so many plays, movies (hello, Leo!), musicals - you name it. But when it comes down to it, the adaptation for a ballet stage is our team's favorite rendition! Prokofiev was so inspired by Shakespeare's most popular play, that he transformed the plot into a symphony of works, to be choreographed by Ivo Vana-Psota for the National Theatre, Brno. To show you one of our favorite performances of this ballet, we highly recommend watching the dazzling performance by the Prague National Ballet. From stunning costumes to breathtaking choreography, we think you're going to like what you see. Enjoy!!

Addict Insider: The music from 'Romeo & Juliet' was so popular that you can find hints of it in many of Prokofiev's works that he created after the ballet premiered. After you've watched the performance, check out his 'Ten Pieces for Piano' to see if you can find the underlying melodies from his 'Romeo and Juliet'!

Watch here!

Classical Music

Photo: Architectural Digest

Mendelssohn's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' - Berlin Philharmonic

Streaming Date: Currently Available On-Demand

Mendelssohn was another composer who loved Shakespeare's iconic writing and transformed his plays into orchestral music. Mendelssohn's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' has been featured on programs over and over since its premiere, and maintains its place as one of many symphony lovers' favorites! When you click to watch this performance, we actually encourage you to close your eyes, and let your imagination do the rest! You'll be able to see the characters come to life without one word being spoken.

Addict Insider: This performance is presented by the Berlin Philharmonic (Berliner Philharmoniker) as one of the incredible offerings from their Digital Concert Hall! Many symphonies have hopped on the streaming train since the pandemic started, but the Berlin Phil has been streaming and archiving incredible performances for years. Make sure to check out all of the concerts they have to offer!

Watch here!


Theater

Photo: Manuel Harlan

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Stream Date: LIVE stream performances on June 5 & September 25, 2021

Last but not least - we can think of no better way to enjoy Shakespeare's plays than in their original home: The Globe Theater in London! Get ready for summer with the Globe's sparkling (literally... there's tons of glitter) production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' With fairy magic, hysterical happenings, and even a happy ending.

Addict Insider: This updated production brings Shakespeare's timeless classic into the present-day where four love-drunk teens escape from the confines of an oppressive regime and are caught in a dispute of increasingly magical proportions. This show is fun in its original setting, and goes WILD in this new one! Tune in to see pinatas, streamers, and glitter galore on top of the fairy drama that is great for all ages.

Click here to access the live streams!



We hope that you enjoy this week's lineup of streaming experiences! To receive weekly updates first (before the public!), click here to create a profile on our page to receive our weekly newsletter!