Romeo + Juliet Film in Concert sets global tour dates

GEA Live, Disney Concerts and Baz Luhrmann have set the global tour for William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet Film in Concert, starting Jan. 9 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, after a Sept. 29 world premiere at the Sydney Opera House. Presales are open now, with public tickets on sale Sept. 18, as the live-to-film event marks the 30th anniversary of Luhrmann's 1996 film.

Why it matters: - The tour turns a 30-year-old film into a new live event, aiming to reach audiences across three continents. - The production extends the cultural reach of Romeo + Juliet, a film that still influences fashion, music and pop culture. - Ticket sales begin this week, which puts the anniversary rollout into motion for fans and presenters.

What happened: - GEA Live, Disney Concerts and Baz Luhrmann announced global tour dates for William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet Film in Concert. - The tour starts Jan. 9 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and includes dates in North America, Australia and Europe. - The production will have its world premiere Sept. 29 at the Sydney Opera House. - Presales started Sept. 15. - Tickets go on sale to the public Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. local time at more information.

The details: - The event screens the original film with its dialogue and action intact. - A hybrid ensemble performs the score and music live in sync with the movie. - The ensemble blends rock and orchestral musicians with vocals, electronics and a DJ. - The tour celebrates the 30th anniversary of Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film. - Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes star as Romeo and Juliet. - The original film opened Nov. 1, 1996, and debuted at No. 1 at the U.S. box office. - The soundtrack included tracks such as "Kissing You" by Des'ree, "Lovefool" by The Cardigans, "Talk Show Host" by Radiohead, "#1 Crush" by Garbage, "Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)" by Quindon Tarver, "Young Hearts Run Free" by Kym Mazelle and "You and Me Song" by The Wannadies. - More tour dates will be announced. - Additional updates and presale access are available at the show's website.

Between the lines: - The live-to-film format gives the studio and producers a way to refresh a known title without changing the movie itself. - The rollout leans on nostalgia, but the pitch is broader: a theatrical concert experience designed for modern touring venues. - Luhrmann called the project a way to let new audiences experience the film's emotion, music and theatricality in a new format. - GEA Live managing director Floris Douwes said the goal was to honor the film's legacy while giving audiences a fresh reason to revisit it.

What's next: - The tour begins Jan. 9 in Pennsylvania and then moves across North America. - Australia dates are scheduled for May. - U.K. and European dates are scheduled for October and November. - More international stops are expected to be added.

The bottom line: - Romeo + Juliet is returning as a concert event built to sell nostalgia, showcase the film's music and travel globally as an anniversary property.