**** Recommended I’d heard of Chicago Repertory Ballet, but I’ve never seen anything of theirs, so I was delighted to get an invitation to see "The Capulets" at the Ruth Page Center. "The Capulets" is a fascinating riff on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a story ballet focusing on Juliet’s parents. The choreography was sensual, evocative and athletic. The execution was flawless, especially the swordplay! 4 Spotlights
****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** Perhaps the most famous double bill that exists within the operatic repertoire -- and, surprisingly, there are more than you might initially imagine -- has returned to Lyric Opera of Chicago. "Cavalleria rusticana" and "Pagliacci," often lovingly referred to as "Cav/Pag," are once again thrilling audiences with their compact storylines, richly melodious scores and morally conflicted characters who, undeterred by their individual fates, end up shining brightly from their rural Calabrian villages. One of the reasons why this production is so special is the fact that it features the Lyric debuts of two exciting new performers: mezzo-soprano Yulia Matochkina as Santuzza and tenor SeokJong Baek as Turiddu, the conflicted lovers at the heart of "Cavalleria rusticana." 4 SPOTLIGHTS
Chicago Opera Theater Discovery Concert explores Shakespeare’s timeless tales through music, a lovely invitation to its upcoming “Falstaff” opera by Salieri in December
***RECOMMENDED*** For the casual audience member attending an operatic performance, it is usually not necessary to know much about a production's narrative beforehand. That's the job of the librettist. If you have a good librettist, the story unfolds in real-time, it beautifully complements the rhythm of the composer's score and it is easily understood. However, if the source material happens to be Shakespeare or Greek tragedy, perhaps, you may want to do a little bit of research ahead of time. No need to dig out your old Edith Hamilton edition of "Mythology" however, in order to appreciate the season-opener "Medea" at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Just peruse the synopsis in your program before the curtain rises. The first paragraph will grant you vital information that will fill in memory gaps to Medea's backstory while also helping to answer questions that have major significance on what is her motivation for ultimately devising such a sinister plan. 3 SPOTLIGHTS
**** Highly Recommended The Joffrey Ballet’s "Carmen" was magnificent. Georges Bizet’s glorious music combined with Liam Scarlett’s emotive choreography danced with incredible artistry by the Joffrey company is a spectacle not to be missed! I must say I had forgotten just how evocative this music can be. Seriously, "Carmen" blew me away - the music, the choreography, the costumes, just wow! I can’t say enough about the Joffrey dancers who always execute the most complicated choreography with flawless technique and grace. Don’t miss it! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Once again, I’m in awe of the Joffrey Ballet. Their whimsical, fantastical production of "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland," choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, is dazzling! I’m completely in love with this production! The music, the choreography, the costumes, the puppetry, the scenery – just wow! Then there’s the dancers – and in addition to executing the most complicated choreography with flawless technique and timing, they can act! Don’t miss it! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended I loved watching the company of Trinity Irish Dance 35 performing in the intimate Edlis Neeson Auditorium at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The dancers are strong, athletic and precise while executing some of the most difficult dance steps you’ll ever see and it was a lot easier to watch their footwork in the smaller space. By the way, they are nothing like the Irish dancers you see everywhere around St. Pat’s Day. What they do is more like an Irish drill team than Riverdance. In fact, it’s a hybrid of Irish step and American tap. An Irish band onstage makes the performance even more unique. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended I always look forward to a performance of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. The artistry, grace, strength and athleticism of this troop of dancers is outstanding. The Season 47: Spring Series featured a repeat of last season’s Sweet Gwen Suite, the world premiere of Beauty Chasers, and the return of Blue Soup which premiered in 2002. The performance was breath-taking. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended Ballet Chicago, celebrating its 30th Anniversary, presented Balanchine & Beyond at the Harris Theatre recently. By the way, although they’ve been around for 30 years, this is another ‘new to me’ company. The program included two Balanchine masterpieces, Serenade and Rubies as well as two pieces by Resident Choreographer Ted Seymour, his Dánzon! and a new children’s piece. 3 1/2 Spotlights
**** Recommended Of Light and Shadow, a performance by Ballet 5:8 demonstrated the company’s versatility with the world premiere of Celestia; a beautiful pas de deux danced to a live piano solo, Corinthians 13:13; a dark, dark and more contemporary piece, The Cave; and finally, an interpretive piece, The Space In Between. Since I love ballet, I was delighted to be in the audience for this performance. 3 ½ Spotlights
