Opera and Dance Reviews

**** Highly Recommended  "American Icons" is a demonstration of all that makes the Joffrey such a leader in contemporary ballet. Opening night was totally awesome! The Joffrey’s classically trained, incredibly talented dancers execute the most complicated choreography with flawless technique and timing – and they make it look easy!  4 BIG Spotlights

***RECOMMENDED***  While all of the scandal that surrounded its 1905 premiere in Dresden, Germany has since vanished, Richard Strauss' opera "Salome" still enraptures audiences and may even shock a few today who are not familiar with its incredibly enigmatic music and the details of its corrupt and base cast of characters. In a stunning Lyric Opera of Chicago debut, soprano Jennifer Holloway brings a commanding confidence to her interpretation of the title role. Also, in another remarkable Lyric debut, conductor Tomas Netopil shines as he guides an expanded Lyric Opera orchestra through Strauss' challenging score. 3 SPOTLIGHTS

***** Highly Recommended ***** The Joffrey Ballet’s “Chicago-centric” version of The Nutcracker, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, is quite simply magnificent.  By setting The Nutcracker amidst Chicago’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, Wheeldon gave the city a unique gift.  It’s become a holiday tradition at my house!  No matter how many times I see The Nutcracker, I never get tired of the feeling of anticipation and excitement before a performance, waiting for that first chord of Tchaikovsky’s glorious music! 4 BIG Spotlights

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED****  For avid classical music lovers, "Carmina Burana" tends to hold a special place in their hearts. They flock to venues worldwide to get the opportunity to hear this rarely performed 20th-century cantata composed by Carl Orff every chance that they can get. For others, this somewhat obscure piece holds numerous surprises for its first-time listeners who are curious to discover what all of the fuss is about. Both groups were equally represented in droves at the recent, extremely brief run at Lyric Opera of Chicago, which had the enthusiastic opening night audience -- which was largely made up of members a good 20 to 30 years younger than your average patron attending a traditional opera at Lyric -- clamoring for more. 4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS