Opera and Dance Reviews

***RECOMMENDED***      If you are curious to find out what a mash-up of classical Greek mythology, Mexican folklore and liberal doses of surrealism and some sprinklings of early feminist empowerment might look like, you are in luck. Lyric Opera of Chicago is presenting the Midwest premiere of "El ultimo sueno de Frida y Diego," a work composed by Gabriela Lena Frank in 2022 with a highly poetic libretto written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz. Not only is this production visually striking -- one would certainly hope that that was the case in an opera which depicts the lives of two very famous artists/muralists -- but the score composed by Frank is exceptional, veering from the ethereal to downright enchanting. 3 SPOTLIGHTS

**** Highly Recommended  Joffrey Ballet’s Grainger Academy’s 14th Annual Winning Works, presented 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) artists, performed by up-and-coming dancers who get a chance to shine. This year’s program was absolutely fabulous!  4 BIG Spotlights

**** 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