Photo by Cory Weaver Lyric Opera of Chicago presents DER ROSENKAVALIER. Love and lust is in the air this winter at the Lyric. Richard Strauss composed an opera driven by desire. The curtains open on the pillow talk between Sophie Koch (Octavian) and Amanda Majeski (The Marschallin). Mezzo-soprano Koch is playing a seventeen year-old boy and ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category Lyric Opera of Chicago
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Review “Wozzeck” (Lyric Opera): Tight and Unsettling Examination of Humanity
The Lyric Opera of Chicago presents a new production of WOZZECK . Lyric’s latest opera is a unique theatrical experience for multiple reasons. Historically, Composer Alban Berg debuted this opera in Berlin in 1925. He had seen the the 1830‘s play “Wozzeck” in 1914. He begin writing the opera about a soldier named Wozzeck during World ...
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Review “The Passenger” (Lyric Opera): Unforgiving and Poignantly Memorable
Lyric Opera presents its premiere of THE PASSENGER. This unforgettable story is based on the Polish radio play by concentration camp survivor Zofia Posmysz. On a luxury ocean liner, a woman is haunted by her past. It’s the 1960s. Liese (performed by Daveda Karanas) and her German diplomat husband (performed by Brandon Jovanovich) are enjoying a ...
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Review “Tannhauser” (Lyric Opera): Lust to Love
Lyric Opera presents TANNHAUSER. Wagner’s love debate of intellectual connection verses physical attraction opens with sensual athleticism. On a surreal set featuring a grand stage on the Lyric’s grandeur stage, Michaela Schuster (Venus) seduces Johan Botha (Tannhauser). He watches from a chair. She beckons from the stage. Reality is blurred. Venus becomes several ladies. Tannhauser becomes ...
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Review “Tosca” (Lyric Opera): For the love of Puccini
Lyric Opera of Chicago presents TOSCA. The Lyric is presenting this Puccini favorite in an extended run featuring two different casts. I reviewed the principals for the January 24th- February 5th performances. TOSCA is being mounted with a new production co-produced by the Lyric and Houston Grand Opera. Scenic and Costume Designer Bunny Christie introduces each ...
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Review “Porgy and Bess” (Lyric Opera): First-Rate Operatic Rendition
Lyric Opera presents PORGY AND BESS. PORGY AND BESS is about the residents of Catfish Row in South Carolina. They struggle in racially influenced poverty. To endure the challenging times, the black folks have established a tight community. The gals anchor their homes in religious fervor. The guys gamble for a better future playing craps. They ...
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Review “Capriccio” (Lyric Opera): Music is the winner!
Lyric Opera of Chicago presents CAPRICCIO. This is my second experience with Composer Richard Strauss’ debate of words verses music. Although Strauss aided Clemens Krauss in creating the libretto, there is no doubt what Strauss believes to be more important. Under the spirited baton of Sir Andrew Davis, the music dominates the stage from the overture ...