Spotlight on Reviews

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED****  Ludwig van Beethoven composed only one opera during his lifetime. That work was first performed at Theater an der Wien in Vienna in 1805. Beethoven, who wasn't completely satisfied with his efforts, did some major revisions and wrote several different versions for the overture of the same opera that, by 1814, became what we know today as "Fidelio." Lyric Opera of Chicago first presented "Fidelio" in November of 1961, which was the seventh season of the company's existence. It has now been over two decades since "Fidelio" has been staged at Lyric. Which makes this moment, and this particular production, the perfect time to acquaint yourself with Beethoven's only opera. 4 SPOTLIGHTS

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED  Excitement was in the air at Lyric Opera of Chicago's opening night performance of Verdi's "Rigoletto." Two of the three principals are making their highly-anticipated company debuts and fresh new talent abounds everywhere in this production. As a matter of fact, eight of the twelve cast members are appearing on Lyric's stage for the very first time. Combine that with the insightful and sensitive direction of Mary Birnbaum (also a Lyric debut) as well as the impeccable leadership in the orchestra pit of Music Director Enrique Mazzola, and you have one of the most solid and wholly satisfying productions that Lyric Opera has presented in many, many years. What a glorious way for Lyric to launch their 70th anniversary season.  4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS

“Noises Off” is a hilarious farce of British wit and slap stick humor.  A well done production set turns as if it is a “lazy susan” between the three acts provides the audience a view of the goings on shenanigans during a play production.  You can only pray this is not typical of most plays.

**** Highly Recommended  Chicago Shakespeare’s "Henry V" is a fast moving action-filled production. It is martial, violent, nationalistic and very loud, but it still manages to include a bit of comic relief as well as moments of introspection.  I remember the first time I saw "Henry V," back in 2014, I said it was like watching the Military Channel, all war, all the time – and I just couldn’t get involved.  This production had me from the moment the ensemble cast marched into the Courtyard Theatre singing "A Pair of Brown Eyes" (by the Pogues) – and as the Chorus, deliver the Prologue – until the Chorus returns at the end.  4 Spotlights