****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.
This “Aida” delivers thrilling performances that visually capture the work’s larger-than-life spectacle while also honing in on the great emotional toll exacted from its characters. Approaching it as a chamber opera, Zambello succeeds on multiple levels but it is the quieter, more intimate moments that truly shine. 4 SPOTLIGHTS
Unlike some other well-known versions of “Aida,” this production does not feature any elephants on stage, palm trees or pyramids as part of the set design nor does it ever specify in which particular country the action is unfolding. Rather, the program states that the time is somewhere “in the past.” What it does feature is a highly imaginative melange of stylistic design elements. A diverse group of artists have fashioned a rapturously beautiful production of “Aida” for Lyric Opera.
Zambello reached out to Marquis Lewis (a/k/a RETNA), a self-proclaimed street artist, to collaborate on the overall design concept for this production. RETNA’s work is inspired by calligraphy and hieroglyphics, so much of his aesthetic feels appropriate for an opera that is traditionally set in Egypt. Similarly, costume designer Anita Yavich utilizes wildly disparate style elements for her costumes which span hundreds of years and numerous countries of origin.
Of course, there is so much more to “Aida” than its visual splendor. For this tale of jealousy, love, hatred, duty and national pride to really triumph you need a cast of very strong performers. Lyric has outdone itself in that regard. Michelle Bradley makes an exceedingly impressive Aida, the foreign captive who is essentially a prisoner-of-war and in love with the enemy. Russell Thomas continues to endear himself to Lyric audiences with his portrayal of Radames, a warrior and army officer who hopes to be chosen as the commander of his troops so that he may be victorious in battle in order to win Aida’s approval. Complicating matters is Amneris, sung by the sensational Jamie Barton, perfectly cast as the king’s envious daughter who is, herself, in love with Radames but very aware that Aida has strong feelings for him as well. Rounding out this powerful ensemble is Reginald Smith, Jr. as Amonasro, Aida’s father who has recently been enslaved but hides a strategic military secret.
As this is Enrique Mazzola’s first “Aida” there is a slight criticism regarding his handling of Verdi’s score. While the overture starts out surprisingly and pleasantly quiet, there are times when the volume coming from the orchestra pit is simply too loud. Mazzola is a highly-regarded Verdi specialist, but “Aida” is a big and sometimes unruly undertaking. The sound should never drown out the singer’s voices. At times it feels like some of them were working overtime in order to be properly heard. The major culprit was the horns section and the most egregious moments occurred in the triumphal march during Act II. This is merely a minor fault and by no means does it mar the entire production. Perhaps blame it on opening night jitters. With time and several more performances under his wand, there is no doubt that this “Aida” will be perfect.
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“Aida” continues until April 7, 2024
Lyric Opera of Chicago is located at 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
Remaining performances are as follows:
· Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 PM
· Tuesday, March 26 at 7:00 PM
· Friday, March 29 at 7:00 PM
· Monday, April 1 at 7:00 PM
· Thursday, April 4 at 2:00 PM
· Sunday, April 7 at 2:00 PM
Tickets: Please call 312-827-5600 or visit www.lyricopera.org
Run time is approximately 3 hours with one intermission