Opera and Dance Reviews

***RECOMMENDED***   You may have heard of the old jazz standard "What a Difference a Day Makes." Well, it can also be said that more than a mere 24 hours can alter how we perceive something or how we may process it. A particular language can make a major difference as well, as evidenced with Lyric Opera of Chicago's latest "Don Carlos." This is the very first time that Lyric is presenting Verdi's epic work in the 1886 five-act version in French and the one that the composer himself believed to be the most complete. The four-act version sung in Italian is most frequently encountered and has been performed multiple times at Lyric in the past.  3 SPOTLIGHTS

***RECOMMENDED***  The American artist Georgia O'Keeffe, who is the primary subject of "The Brightness of Light," was a very complex individual. This recent work by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts (2012's "Silent Night") offers a rare glimpse into her most intimate and private thoughts, all presented in her own words. Interpreting all of O'Keeffe's text is the beloved American soprano Renee Fleming, who is currently in her twelfth year as Lyric Opera's creative consultant. Chicago audiences clearly adore Fleming and they turned out in droves to get the rare opportunity to hear her perform live in this glorious one-night only event.  3 SPOTLIGHTS

***RECOMMENDED*** It is always a joyous experience to attend a musical at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Their stage is so large and their technical capabilities nearly endless that curious theatre-goers often wonder how a design team will approach their particular staging of any given show presented there. Plus, hearing the score of one of your favorite shows performed by a full orchestra is priceless. When the show happens to be one that has not been in the line-up of the regional subscription-based companies for over two decades, like "Fiddler on the Roof," it is an added incentive to seek out this wonderful production.

**** Highly Recommended ****  If you were thinking about getting a ticket to see the Joffrey Ballet this season, the absolutely fabulous "Don Quixote" is your last chance this season – and if I were you, I’d be ordering my tickets now!  Yuri Possokhov, who choreographed "Don Quixote" to music written by Ludwig Minkus more than 150 years ago, combines classical ballet with Spanish flamenco to create a masterpiece.  Travis Halsey’s colorful costumes complement the choreography, adding Spanish color and flair.  "Don Quixote" is spectacular, the best I’ve seen in a long, long time. 4 Big Spotlights