***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
Jennifer Holloway as Salome. Photo by Andrew Cioffi - Lyric Opera of Chicago
"Salome" is a pretty compact production, with minimal complexity to its libretto. Hedwig Lachmann used his own German translation of the same-titled play written by Oscar Wilde (no stranger to scandal himself) and worked closely with Strauss to delve deeper into the psychology of the eponymous character. Though the narrative may be this work's greatest weakness, original director Sir David McVicar has made his "Salome" one which is visually exquisite. Much of that credit should be shared with designer Es Devlin, who created the gorgeous set and costumes, and also Wolfgang Gobbel, the original lighting designer. Perhaps McVicar's highest artistic achievement here must be his version of the famous Dance of the Seven Veils. Conceptually it is brilliant and McVicar never would have been able to pull it off without the dedicated crew at 59 Studio, who developed the crystalline black-and-white video projections which accompany it.
Jennifer Holloway as Salome. Photo by Kyle Flubacker
Jennifer Holloway is nothing short of captivating as Salome, which is exactly what's needed to make the character as authentic as possible. She has the physical height to be both threatening and commanding at the same time. Holloway has a powerful soprano which is solid across the board, plus she maintains her stamina during the duration of the performance. She taps nicely into the more youthful aspects of the character (Salome was supposedly only 16 years old at the time of the events depicted here) and plays that naivete well. But like the bored little princess that she is, Salome also needs some sort of distraction to occupy her free time. Holloway finds just the exact moments to show that her Salome has found solace within her own ennui.
Nicholas Brownlee as Jochanaan. Photo by Kyle Flubacker
The diversion which Salome eventually discovers, and the person with whom she becomes obsessed, is Jochanaan (John the Baptist). Bass-baritone Nicholas Brownlee makes his Lyric debut in the role of Jochanaan and it is an ideal counterpart to Holloway. Raving mad lunatic or ethically incensed prophet? Brownlee has such a strong grasp on this character that he plays it both ways and audiences are thrilled with the results.
Jennifer Holloway as Salome, Tanja Ariane Baumgartner as Herodias, and Alex Boyer as Herod. Photo by Kyle Flubacker
Tenor Alex Boyer as Herod was a last-minute addition to this cast. Originally, Lyric favorite Brandon Jovanovich was scheduled to sing the role but had to cancel due to personal reasons. Boyer makes a memorable Lyric debut but the entire Lyric community collectively sends best wishes to Jovanovich and hopes to see him on stage here once again very soon.
The Company of Salome. Photo by Kyle Flubacker
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"Salome" continues until February 14, 2026
Lyric Opera of Chicago is located at 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
Tickets: Please visit www.lyricopera.org/createyourown or call 312-827-5600
Remaining performances are as follows:
Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7:00 PM
Friday, Feb. 6 at 7:00 PM
Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 PM
Running time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes with no intermission
Jennifer Holloway as Salome, Ryan Capozzo as Narraboth, and Catherine Martin as Page.
Photo by Andrew Cioffi - Lyric Opera of Chicago