**** Highly Recommended The Joffrey Ballet’s performance of "Atonement" was absolutely magnificent! Words just don’t do it justice! I thought Cathy Marston’s "Jane Eyre" was the ultimate in translating beloved stories into passionate dance experiences, but I was wrong. I was there when the Joffrey dancers brought Ian McEwan’s novel to life. The Joffrey dancers are the best – talented dancers, athletes and actors What an incredible experience! 4 BIG Spotlights
***RECOMMENDED*** You certainly have to hand it to the clever folks at Chicago Opera Theater, especially their forward-thinking General Director Lawrence Edelson, for perfectly timing the North American premiere of the rarely seen Ferdinando Paer opera "Leonora." Edelson, who also serves as the stage director of this production, has waited many years for the chance to present this obscure work to Chicago audiences. When it was announced that Lyric Opera of Chicago would be presenting Ludwig van Beethoven's only opera, "Fidelio," during their 2024/2025 season, Edelson knew that his company needed to act fast to prepare for their own version of the same story.
****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** Ludwig van Beethoven composed only one opera during his lifetime. That work was first performed at Theater an der Wien in Vienna in 1805. Beethoven, who wasn't completely satisfied with his efforts, did some major revisions and wrote several different versions for the overture of the same opera that, by 1814, became what we know today as "Fidelio." Lyric Opera of Chicago first presented "Fidelio" in November of 1961, which was the seventh season of the company's existence. It has now been over two decades since "Fidelio" has been staged at Lyric. Which makes this moment, and this particular production, the perfect time to acquaint yourself with Beethoven's only opera. 4 SPOTLIGHTS
****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Excitement was in the air at Lyric Opera of Chicago's opening night performance of Verdi's "Rigoletto." Two of the three principals are making their highly-anticipated company debuts and fresh new talent abounds everywhere in this production. As a matter of fact, eight of the twelve cast members are appearing on Lyric's stage for the very first time. Combine that with the insightful and sensitive direction of Mary Birnbaum (also a Lyric debut) as well as the impeccable leadership in the orchestra pit of Music Director Enrique Mazzola, and you have one of the most solid and wholly satisfying productions that Lyric Opera has presented in many, many years. What a glorious way for Lyric to launch their 70th anniversary season. 4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS
**** Highly Recommended You don’t have to be a fan of "Dancing with the Stars" to appreciate the dazzling spectacle that is "Savor after Hours". It is quite simply breathtaking! This high-energy production features some of the world’s best ballroom dancers flawlessly executing the brilliant choreography of KC Monnie. Helen and I both loved this show! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended **** The Joffrey Ballet’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” is magnificent. If you’re a ballet traditionalist, it might not be the ballet for you. It’s abstract, avant-garde and maybe a bit confusing, but it fascinated me from start to finish. 4 Spotlights
****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED It has been a decade since Lyric Opera of Chicago has presented Verdi’s 1871 opera “Aida.” After such a long absence, this extremely popular grand opera is once again majestically sweeping the stage at Lyric in a bold and contemporary production directed by Francesca Zambello. Lyric Opera’s Music Director Enrique Mazzola conducts his first fully staged performance of the work, which has now become the 100th opera title in his repertoire. Add in a quartet of massively talented singers in the principal roles and you have great cause for celebration.
**** Highly Recommended The Joffrey Academy’s Winning Works, presented annually at the Museum of Contemporary Art, is a performance I await with great anticipation. It’s a chance to see brand new pieces by new choreographers, all ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab and Native American) artist, performed by up-and-coming dancers who get a chance to shine. This year’s program was absolutely fabulous. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended I don’t know why the Joffrey Ballet decided to move to Chicago, but I’m eternally grateful they did. Everything performance is sheer perfection. This year’s spring engagement, "Studies in Blue", includes three contemporary pieces which held me spellbound! Once again, the incredibly talented Joffrey dancers execute the most complicated choreography with flawless technique and timing. 4 Spotlights
****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED During the 2021/2022 season, Lyric Opera of Chicago presented Terence Blanchard's contemporary opera "Fire Shut Up in My Bones" a mere six months after its premiere at the Metropolitan Opera. That production, which was the second opera that Blanchard had ever composed, proved to be a very popular selection with Lyric audiences as well as a huge critical success. While Blanchard was in Chicago for rehearsals of "Fire Shut Up in My Bones," talk quickly turned to presenting his first opera during a future season. Thankfully, that time has now arrived. "Champion," which Blanchard has described as "an opera in jazz" is a triumph. 4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS
