Event
So Much Drama:
Starcrossed
with Gulfshore Playhouse and the Naples Philharmonic
A concert and stage performance for high school students
Gulfshore Playhouse
Naples Philharmonic
Manuel López-Gómez, associate conductor
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet leaps off the page in this dramatic fusion of live theater and orchestral music. Professional actors from Gulfshore Playhouse perform in costume alongside the Naples Philharmonic, bringing the story of feuding families and star-crossed lovers to life. Set to powerful music by Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky and Bernstein, this engaging performance combines drama, movement and symphonic sound to reimagine one of literature’s most ageless love stories.
Homeschoolers and families are welcome at the 10am performance. For school groups, there are both 10am and 11:30am performance times. Please visit the School Programs page for ticketing information on both performance times.
So Much Drama is generously sponsored by Ruth Conklin and Michael Blouin.
Naples Philharmonic
Naples Philharmonic
Founded in 1982, the Naples Philharmonic normally performs over 140 orchestral and chamber concerts, as well as opera and ballet, education, community and special event concerts from September through June each year.
Meet the Musicians
Alexander Shelley
Artistic and Music Director Meet Alexander
Jack Everly
Principal Pops Conductor Meet Jack
James Ehnes
Artistic Partner Meet James
Manuel López-Gómez
Associate Conductor Meet Manuel
Manuel López-Gómez
Manuel López-Gómez
Hugely successful appearances across the globe with many of the world’s finest orchestras have established Manuel López-Gómez’s reputation as a forceful, visionary and inspiring conductor. In addition to his concert work, Manuel is passionate about opera, having previously conducted and recorded the world premiere of Atahualpa by Carlo Enrico Pasta as well as engagements conducting Roméo et Juliette, Il viaggio a Reims and Le nozze di Figaro.
For more than 15 years, Manuel worked side-by-side with Gustavo Dudamel on symphonic and opera projects in Caracas, Los Angeles, Paris and at the Salzburg Festival.
Manuel began studying violin, piano, chamber music, composition and conducting in Venezuela. A product of El Sistema, he views the musical training of young people as a key duty. In 2024, he served as associate conductor of the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra and currently holds the position of associate conductor of the Naples Philharmonic.
Meet Manuel
