Interviews, Non-Theater Reviews, Stories, Whatever

***RECOMMENDED*** The Early Verdi Series at Lyric Opera of Chicago is certainly off to a fantastic start. Over the course of the next several years, Lyric will be featuring a single Verdi opera each season which was composed either early or in the middle of his very long and prolific career. First up is "Luisa Miller" from 1849. Lyric Opera has only performed this work once before in its 65-year history, and that was over 35 years ago. Thanks to some innovative programming on Lyric's part and the addition of conductor Enrique Mazzola (who is Lyric's music director designate), opera lovers now have a rare chance in a brief limited run to see how this pivotal and transitional work ultimately affected Verdi's later masterpieces, both in terms of its musical score and dramatic structure.  3 SPOTLIGHTS

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** Lyric Opera of Chicago has launched their 65th season with a massively entertaining production of Rossini's "The Barber of Seville." While this may be the 16th time that Lyric has presented this work -- it was featured as the second opera of their inaugural season -- it is only the first time that long-time Music Director Sir Andrew Davis has actually conducted it here.  And that's significant. With him on the podium there is clearly no doubt that the pacing will consistently and perfectly drive the frivolity forward. From the iconic and instantly-recognizable overture to the delightfully ebullient finale Davis expertly guides this production.  Add in the first-rate cast and incredible design elements and the result is as nearly perfect a version of this opera that you will ever have the pleasure to experience.  4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS

**** Highly Recommended **** When my friend Crista and I went to the second annual NEXUS Chamber Music Chicago Festival at a new Chicago venue, Guarneri Hall, I didn’t know what to expect.  I knew that the musicians in NEXUS Chamber Music were all young and uber-talented, and I’d read that Guarneri Hall was designed specifically for chamber music, so I thought “Call of the Birds” would be a good concert but really, I had NO idea!!!!  It was outstanding!  My recommendation - hurry and get tickets for the last two concerts in the festival this weekend.    4 BIG Spotlights

Highly Recommended **** Cirque du Soleil’s “Volta” is a little different from their previous shows.  While the musical themes and colorful costumes are typical Cirque, “Volta” has a more urban flavor, with hip hop, double Dutch, street acts, bikes and motorcycles.  For those coming from northwest Indiana, the new location in the Soldier Field parking lot is definitely more convenient.  4 Spotlights