Be Dazzled. Be Moved. Be Astonished. Be Transported. Be Part of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 2019/20 Season

 

The Barber of Seville, Luisa Miller, Dead Man Walking, Don Giovanni, Madama Butterfly, The Queen of Spades, Götterdämmerung, and Blue

• North America’s first new Ring cycle since 2012 – Only at Lyric in 2020

• Lyric’s dazzling premiere of 42ND Street

• Sondra Radvanovsky in The Three Queens

• Sir Bryn Terfel in Recital

• Callas In Concert

• And More

Production Images Available Upon Request

CHICAGO (6/24/2019) – Glorious singing and passionate acting that brings you to the edge of your seat, performed in a wide range of styles by exceptional international artists. Magnificent music played and sung at the highest level. Enthralling stories. Revelatory productions.

"All this and more awaits audiences for Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 65th season," said Anthony Freud, general director, president & CEO of the world-renowned company. Single tickets for Lyric’s 2019/20 Season go on sale Thursday, June 27 at 10am. 

"Lyric will dazzle audiences with a spectacular season brimming with thought-provoking drama, suspense, laughter, the wonder of discovery, and all the visceral emotions that great music unleashes," Freud declared. "This is what we do, and what we know our audiences expect. The 2019/20 Season is one of our biggest ever, from our grand-scale productions to our monumental new Ring cycle. Whether you’re a longtime operagoer or a relative newcomer, we are confident you will be captivated by the immersive experiences we offer you at the Lyric Opera House."

Sir Andrew Davis will celebrate his 20th season as Lyric’s music director in the 2019/20 Season."I will be on the podium for the first opera I ever studied [The Barber of Seville], the first opera I conducted as Lyric’s music director [The Queen of Spades], and perhaps the most ambitious artistic masterpiece ever conceived [three complete Ring cycles, preceded by two performances of Götterdämmerung]. And of course I’ll conduct the marvelous Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park free concert with the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus, joined by several brilliant soloists to kick off this fantastic season. I simply can’t wait!" 

The casting for Lyric’s 65th season is full of exceptional world-renowned artists. Said Freud, "We are welcoming back to Lyric an outstanding roster of singers, including Lawrence Brownlee, Joseph Calleja, Elizabeth DeShong, Burkhard Fritz, Christine Goerke, Susan Graham, Brandon Jovanovich, Quinn Kelsey, Amanda Majeski, Ana María Martínez, Eric Owens, Patricia Racette, Sondra Radvanovsky, and Christian Van Horn. 

"We are also thrilled to introduce to our audiences several exciting artists making Lyric debuts," Freud added. "These include Ildar Abdrazakov, Ben Bliss, Ying Fang, Lianna Haroutounian, Jane Henschel, Soloman Howard, Ryan McKinny, Mary Elizabeth Williams, and Rachel Willis-Sørensen."

The roster of outstanding guest conductors for the 2019/20 Season includes Riccardo Frizza, James Gaffigan, Enrique Mazzola, Henrik Nánási, Nicole Paiement (debut), and Viswa Subbaraman (debut).

Productions for the new season have been created by internationally acclaimed directors Rob Ashford, Robert Falls, Leonard Foglia, Michael Grandage, Richard Jones, Stephen Mear, Sir David Pountney, Tazewell Thompson, and Francesca Zambello.

Six new and new-to-Chicago productions including three Lyric premieres and three performances of the company’s new Ring cycle, along with three performances of a revelatory semi-staged presentation, will engage and entertain audiences September 28, 2019, through June 28, 2020. 

Call 312-827-5600 or visit www.lyricopera.org to purchase tickets for individual performances starting at 10am on June 27. For the ultimate in variety and flexibility, consider a Create Your Own (CYO) Series, in which you customize your selection of at least four shows – any title, any date, any price zone to suit your taste and schedule. CYO packages start at just $26 per show.

Two powerful works dealing with contemporary issues will have Lyric premieres in the 2019/20 Season: Dead Man Walking, by Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally; and the newly commissioned Blue, by Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson (to be presented at The Yard, Chicago Shakespeare Theater).

The ebullient song-and-dance hit musical 42nd Street by Harry Warren and Al Dubin will also receive its Lyric premiere next spring.

The sparkling comedy The Barber of Seville (Rossini), the dramma giocoso (dramatic comedy or black comedy) Don Giovanni (Mozart), and the poignant cross-cultural tragedy Madama Butterfly (Puccini) return to Lyric’s stage in the coming season. New-to-Lyric productions include Verdi’s early romantic drama Luisa Miller and Tchaikovsky’s brooding thriller The Queen of Spades. 

Lyric’s brand-new production of Wagner’s Götterdämmerung will receive two performances in early April before three full Ring cycles are presented over the course of three weeks: April 13-18, April 20-25, and April 27-May 3. This is the first new Ring cycle to be presented in North America since 2012.

Lyric will present three semi-staged performances in December by the extraordinary soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, portraying The Three Queens, a riveting program of breathtaking finales from Donizetti’s Anna Bolena, Maria Stuarda, and Roberto Devereux.

English translations on a screen above the stage for opera performances make it easy for everyone to follow the stories of joyful and tragic romance, complex family drama, revenge and retribution, moral conflict and redemption, transformation, and more.

 

Here’s what’s in store for Lyric’s new season:

Operas:

• The Barber of Seville (Rossini), Sept. 28-Oct. 27: Spunky Rosina refuses to marry her stuffy old guardian, a dashing young count wins her love, and clever Figaro gets the sweethearts together with several slapstick schemes. Fantastic musical pyrotechnics propel the madcap romp that inspired Bugs Bunny’s "The Rabbit of Seville." It’s a charming rom-com with sparkling music and a happy ending.

• Luisa Miller (Verdi), Oct. 12-31: Sweet, vulnerable Luisa loves Rodolfo, but their fathers are sworn enemies, and catastrophe results. This tale of star-crossed love and class conflict (based on a Schiller play, Intrigue and Love) is full of Verdi’s showcase arias and duets. It offers a thrilling discovery experience for those who know and love his more familiar middle-period works.

• Dead Man Walking (Heggie/McNally), Nov. 2-22: The brutal murder of a young couple lands their killer on death row, where Sister Helen Prejean becomes his spiritual adviser in a profound exploration of friendship and forgiveness under the worst circumstances. Acclaimed internationally as one of the most riveting operas of the new millennium, this heart-wrenching exploration of a controversial social issue was inspired by Sister Helen’s memoir.

• Don Giovanni (Mozart), Nov. 14-Dec. 8: He’s bad to the bone – a seducer, philanderer, and libertine who lives only for his own pleasure. Don Giovanni is the quintessentially unrepentant anti-hero in this dark comedy of lust and revenge. The film noir-inspired setting is 1920s Spain, with Da Ponte’s wicked plot twists set to Mozart’s magnificent music. If you find charismatic bad boys played by Johnny Depp simply irresistible, this Don’s for you.

• The Three Queens (Donizetti), Dec. 1-7: Sondra Radvanovsky earned ecstatic praise portraying three extraordinary historical women in a single season at the Met: passionate Anne Boleyn, proud Mary Stuart, and mighty Queen Elizabeth I. She will bring her acclaimed portrayal to Lyric with the blazing finales of Anna Bolena, Maria Stuarda, and Roberto Devereux in semi-staged performances that will deliver unforgettably passionate acting and thrilling bel-canto singing.

• Madama Butterfly (Puccini), Feb. 6-Mar. 8: An enchanting geisha, Cio-Cio-San, falls in love with and marries an American naval lieutenant, which ultimately leads to total disaster for the bride, who loses everything. This deeply affecting cross-cultural love story, set to gloriously soaring music, inspired the musical Miss Saigon.

• The Queen of Spades (Tchaikovsky), Feb. 15-Mar. 1: This brooding, tour-de-force thriller explores the terrifying obsession of an unhappy soldier who desperately seeks an aging countess’s secret – the mystery of winning at cards. Personal devastation ensues for him and for the countess’s granddaughter, who he loves. The intense, psychological drama is propelled by a passionate score from the genius who composed Eugene Onegin, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker.

• Götterdämmerung (Wagner), Apr. 4, 11: The final installment of the Ring cycle brings the end of one world, the beginning of a new one, and the ultimate triumph of love over evil. Nothing compares to the musical and dramatic grandeur, and staggeringly intense emotions, of The Twilight of the Gods.

• The Ring of the Nibelung (Wagner), Apr. 13-May 3: Long before binge-watching became a thing...there was the Ring. Seen individually, each of the four works is an impressive feat of drama, theater, and thrilling music. Experienced over the course of a single week in a cycle, as intended, the four works meld into an extraordinary and immersive story, comprising one of the greatest musical achievements in Western culture. Brilliant orchestral storytelling plus breathtaking vocal drama equals a truly incomparable communal experience. See for yourself what inspired The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Star Wars...and Bugs Bunny’s "What’s Opera, Doc?"

• Blue

  (Tesori/Thompson), June 19-28, at The Yard, Chicago Shakespeare Theater: This newly commissioned opera brings audiences into the emotional epicenter of an African-American family in which the father is a police officer and the son is a politically active teenager. When the son is killed by police, his death brings to reality the mother’s worst fear, and ignites anger and devastation in the father. An important cultural exploration of societal values and conflicts. 

Lyric’s Special Events, Performances, and Annual Musical

• Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park, Fri., Sept. 6, at the Pritzker Pavilion and Great Lawn: Lyric’s annual free concert under the stars! Pack a picnic and bring your family and friends to enjoy a memory-making performance. Lyric stars will perform with the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Lyric’s own music director, Sir Andrew Davis.

• Callas in Concert – The Hologram Tour, Sat., Sept. 7: Performing her signature arias with the lush sound of the Lyric Opera Orchestra on the stage (conducted by Eímear Noone), the internationally renowned musical sensation is set to return to the Lyric Opera House via Callas in Concert – The Hologram Tour. A truly unique chance to experience the brilliant, passionate singing (in a digitally mastered performance) of the incomparable Maria Callas in the place where she made her American debut in 1954, Lyric’s premiere season.

• Earth to Kenzie, Sat.-Sun., Nov. 9-10, at Vittum Theater, Chicago: This brand-new children’s opera by composer Frances Pollock and librettist Jessica Murphy Moo tells the story of Kenzie, a fifth grader with homework, asthma, and a big imagination. When she and her mother must move into a family shelter, Kenzie struggles with school and escapes into the world of video games alongside her avatar Edwin. Discover how she finds her way and learns the true meaning of home. Recommended for children ages 7-12.

• Sir Bryn Terfel in Recital, Sun., Feb. 2: The commanding Welsh bass-baritone, among the most engaging artists of our time, returns to Lyric after triumphs here as Mozart’s Figaro, Leporello, and Don Giovanni; Verdi’s Falstaff; Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd; and Strauss’s John the Baptist/Salome. Terfel’s magnificently deep voice, penetrating interpretive insights, extraordinary stylistic versatility, and radiant personality will captivate the audience.

• Family Day at Lyric, Sat., May 16: A fun-filled day of learning and exploration behind the scenes at the Lyric Opera House, with lots of participatory experiences, demonstrations and activities. A great way for families and friends of all ages to make memories together while learning about opera. Recommended for children ages 5-10.

• 42nd Street (Warren/Dubin), May 29-June 21: In the effervescent backstage musical comedy classic, a starry-eyed young dancer auditions for a new Broadway show, catches a lucky break, and becomes the star. It’s a quintessential American Dream story with some of the greatest tap-danceable songs ever written, including "We’re In The Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," "Shuffle Off To Buffalo," "Dames," "I Only Have Eyes For You," and of course, "42nd Street."

How (and why) to get Lyric tickets and/or build your own single ticket package starting Thursday, June 27 at 10am

• You can visit lyricopera.org or call 312-827-5600 to book your Lyric experiences for the 2019/20 Season.

• For in-person attention, visit the ticket office on the 8th floor of the Lyric Opera Building, 20 N. Wacker Dr., during business hours, 9am-5pm Monday - Friday.

• Lyric’s Box Office, just inside the main Opera House entrance at Wacker and Madison is open for ticket purchases from 12 - 5pm, Monday - Friday.

 

In addition to tickets to individual shows, subscription packages are still available and offer the best savings, overall. You can also create your own package of performances (Choose Your Own/CYO) customized to your schedule, budget, and interests (savings up to 25% off individual shows). You can mix and match, or select thematically, and add in tickets to special events. Visit lyricopera.org to explore series and pricing. A full season calendar is available at lyricopera.org/seasontickets/calendar.  

 

Lyric Opera of Chicago 2019/20 Season – Casts, Creative Teams, Sponsors

Original Lyric Production
The Barber of Seville (Il barbiere di Siviglia) by Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)
8 performances, Sept. 28 – Oct. 27, 2019
Sung in Italian with projected English translations

Figaro:
Adam Plachetka

Rosina:
Marianne Crebassa

Count Almaviva:
Lawrence Brownlee

Dr. Bartolo:
Alessandro Corbelli

Don Basilio:
Krzysztof Bączyk*

Conductor:
Sir Andrew Davis

Director:
Rob Ashford

Set Designer:
Scott Pask

Costume Designer:
Catherine Zuber

Lighting Designer:
Howard Harrison

Chorus Master:
Michael Black

*Lyric debut

Sponsors: Abbott Fund, Liz Stiffel, Allan and Elaine Muchin


New-to-Chicago Production
Luisa Miller by Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)
6 performances, Oct. 12-31, 2019
Sung in Italian with projected English translations

Luisa:
Krassimira Stoyanova

Rodolfo:
Joseph Calleja

Miller:
Quinn Kelsey°

Walter:
Christian Van Horn°

Wurm:
Soloman Howard*

Federica:
Alisa Kolosova

Conductor:
Enrique Mazzola

Director:
Francesca Zambello

Set Designer:
Michael Yeargan

Costume Designer:
Dunya Ramicova

Lighting Designer:
Mark McCullough

Chorus Master:
Michael Black 

*Lyric debut
°Ryan Opera Center alumni

Sponsors: NIB Foundation, Julie and Roger Baskes, Henry and Gilda Buchbinder Family Foundation, Liz Stiffel, with additional support from The Nelson Cornelius Production Endowment Fund

Production owned by San Francisco Opera. Scenery construction and painting by the San Francisco Opera Scenic Shop and costumes fabricated by the San Francisco Opera Costume Shop.

 

Lyric Premiere & New-to-Chicago Production
Dead Man Walking by Jake Heggie (composer, b.1961) and Terrence McNally (librettist, b.1938)
6 performances, Nov. 2-22, 2019
Sung in English with projected English texts

Sister Helen Prejean:
Patricia Racette

Joseph De Rocher:
Ryan McKinny*

Mrs. De Rocher:
Susan Graham

Sister Rose:
Whitney Morrison°

Father Grenville:
Clay Hilley*

George Benton:
Gordon Hawkins

Kitty Hart:
Talise Trevigne*

Owen Hart:
Wayne Tigges°

Howard Boucher:
Allan Glassman*

Conductor:
Nicole Paiement*

Director:
Leonard Foglia

Set Designer:
Michael McGarty*

Costume Designer:
Jess Goldstein*

Lighting Designer:
Brian Nason

Projection Designer:
Elaine McCarthy

Sound Designer:
Roger Gans*

Chorus Master:
Michael Black

*Lyric debut
°Ryan Opera Center alumni

Sponsors: Roberta L. and Robert J. Washlow

Production owned by Lyric Opera of Chicago. Originally created by Opera Pacific, Cincinnati Opera, New York City Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, Pittsburgh Opera, and Baltimore Opera.

Music by Jake Heggie. Libretto by Terrence McNally. Based on the novel by Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ. Commissioned by San Francisco Opera.


Original Lyric Production
Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
9 performances, Nov. 14-Dec. 8, 2019
Sung in Italian with projected English translations

Don Giovanni:
Ildar Abdrazakov* (Nov. 14-30)

Davide Luciano* (Dec. 3-8)

Donna Anna:
Rachel Willis-Sørensen*

Donna Elvira:
Amanda Majeski°

Zerlina:
Ying Fang*

Don Ottavio:
Ben Bliss*

Leporello:
Matthew Rose

Masetto:
Brandon Cedel*

Commendatore:
Mika Kares*

Conductor:
James Gaffigan

Director:
Robert Fall

Set Designer:
Walt Spangler

Costume Designer:
Ana Kuzmanic

Lighting Designer:
Duane Schuler

Chorus Master:
Michael Black 

*Lyric debut
°Ryan Opera Center alumna

Lead Sponsor: The Negaunee Foundation
Cosponsors: Howard L. Gottlieb and Barbara G. Greis, Nancy and Sanfred Koltun, Mazza Foundation

A Semi-Staged Performance
The Three Queens starring Sondra Radvanovsky
Finales of Anna Bolena, Maria Stuarda, and Roberto Devereux
by Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848)
3 performances, Dec. 1-7, 2019
Sung in Italian with projected English translations

Anna Bolena, Maria Stuarda, Elisabetta:
Sondra Radvanovsky

Conductor:
Riccardo Frizza

Director:
Matthew Ozawa

Chorus Master:
Michael Black

Sponsors: Ethel and William Gofen, Harris Family Foundation

Lyric Production
Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924)
10 performances, Feb. 6-Mar. 8, 2020
Sung in Italian with projected English translations

Cio-Cio-San:
Ana María Martínez

Lianna Haroutounian* (March 4, 7)

B. F. Pinkerton:
Brian Jagde

Brandon Jovanovich (March 4, 7)

Suzuki:
Deborah Nansteel

Sharpless:
Anthony Clark Evans°

Goro:
Rodell Rosel°

Conductor:
Henrik Nánási

Original Director:
Michael Grandage

Revival Director:
Louisa Muller

Set and Costume Designer:
Christopher Oram

Lighting Designer:
Neil Austin

Chorus Master:
Michael Black

*Lyric debut
°Ryan Opera Center alumni

Sponsors: Sylvia Neil and Daniel Fischel, Randy L. and Melvin R. Berlin, Marion A. Cameron, Invesco QQQ

A co-production of Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, and Grand Théâtre de Genève.

 

New-to-Chicago Production
The Queen of Spades (Pikovaya Dama) by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
5 performances, Feb. 15-Mar. 1, 2020
Sung in Russian with projected English translations

This production won the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Music Award for Opera and the Barclays Theatre Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera.

Gherman:
Brandon Jovanovich

Lisa:
Sondra Radvanovsky

Countess:
Jane Henschel*

Pauline:
Elizabeth DeShong°

Prince Yeletsky:
Lucas Meachem

Tomsky:
Samuel Youn

Chekalinsky:
Kyle van Schoonhoven*

Governess:
Jill Grove

Conductor:
Sir Andrew Davis

Original Director:
Richard Jones

Revival Director:
Benjamin Davis

Set and Costume Designer:
John Macfarlane

Lighting Designer:
Jennifer Tipton

Chorus Master:
Michael Black

*Lyric debut
°Ryan Opera Center alumna

Sponsors: Margot and Josef Lakonishok, Mrs. Herbert A. Vance & Mr. and Mrs. William C. Vance

Production originated at Welsh National Opera, Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Den Norske Opera, and Canadian Opera Company.


New Production
Götterdämmerung (Twilight of the Gods) by Richard Wagner (1813-1883)
2 performances, April 4 and 11, 2020
Sung in German with projected English translations

Brünnhilde:
Christine Goerke

Siegfried:
Burkhard Fritz

Waltraute:
Tanja Ariane Baumgartner

Hagen:
Stephen Milling

Gunther:
Brian Mulligan

Gutrune:
Mary Elizabeth Williams*

First Norn:
Ronnita Miller

Second Norn:
Catherine Martin

Third Norn:
Laura Wilde°

Woglinde:
Diana Newman°

Wellgunde:
Annie Rosen°

Flosshilde:
Lindsay Ammann

Conductor:
Sir Andrew Davis

Director:
Sir David Pountney

Original Set Designer:
Johan Engels

Set Designer:
Robert Innes Hopkins

Costume Designer:
Marie-Jeanne Lecca

Lighting Designer:
Fabrice Kebour

Chorus Master:
Michael Black

Choreographer:
Denni Sayers

*Lyric debut
°Ryan Opera Center alumnae

Sponsors: Marlys A. Beider, Helen and Sam Zell

 

Lyric's new RING cycle 

Please note that tickets for Lyric’s RING 2020 are being sold as full four-opera cycles only. Individual tickets are not being sold to the individual Ring operas.

The Ring of the Nibelung (Der Ring des Nibelungen) by Richard Wagner (1813-1883)
Three complete cycles:
April 13, 14, 16, 18
April 20, 21, 23, 25
April 27, 29, May 1, 3 (mat.)
Sung in German with projected English translations

Das Rheingold (The Rhine Gold)

Wotan:
Eric Owens

Alberich:
Samuel Youn

Loge:
Stefan Margita

Robert Brubaker (April 27)

Fricka:
Tanja Ariane Baumgartner

Erda:
Ronnita Miller

Fasolt:
Henning von Schulman*

Fafner:
Soloman Howard

Mime:
Matthias Klink

Freia:
Laura Wilde°

Froh:
Brandon Jovanovich

Donner:
Brian Mulligan

Woglinde:
Diana Newman°

Wellgunde:
Annie Rosen°

Flosshilde:
Lindsay Amman

*Lyric debut
°Ryan Opera Center alumnae

Same conductor and production team as Götterdämmerung (see above)

Die Walküre (The Valkyrie)

Brünnhilde:
Christine Goerke

Wotan:
Eric Owens

Sieglinde:
Elisabet Strid

Laura Wilde° (April 29)

Siegmund:
Brandon Jovanovich

Fricka:
Tanja Ariane Baumgartner

Hunding:
Stephen Milling

Helmwige:
Alexandra LoBianco

Ortlinde:
Laura Wilde°

Sarah Cambidge* (April 29)

Waltraute:
Catherine Martin

Rossweisse:
Lindsay Ammann

Grimgerde:
Krysty Swann

*Lyric debut
°Ryan Opera Center alumna

Same conductor and production team as Götterdämmerung (see above)

Siegfried

Siegfried:
Burkhard Fritz

Brünnhilde:
Christine Goerke

The Wanderer (Wotan):
Eric Owens

Mime:
Matthias Klink

Alberich:
Samuel Youn

Erda:
Ronnita Miller

Woodbird:
Diana Newman°

Fafner:
Soloman Howard

°Ryan Opera Center alumna

Same conductor and production team as Götterdämmerung (see above)

Götterdämmerung (Twilight of the Gods)

Same cast, conductor, and production team as above.

Ring Cycle Lead Sponsor: Anonymous Donor
Cosponsors: Mr. & Mrs. Dietrich M. Gross, Gramma Fisher Foundation of Marshalltown, Iowa, Ada and Whitney Addington, Bulley & Andrews, National Endowment for the Arts
Additional Support from: Robin Angly, Richard J. and Barbara Franke, Prince Charitable Trusts

Curtain times for Lyric’s new RING cycle:

Evenings:
Cycle 1: Mon Apr 13/7:30pm, Tue Apr 14/6pm, Thu Apr 16/6pm , Sat Apr 18/5:30pm

Cycle 2: Mon Apr 20/7:30pm, Tue Apr 21/6pm, Thu Apr 23/6pm, Sat Apr 25/5:30pm

Matinees:
Cycle 3: Mon Apr 27/2pm, Wed Apr 29/2pm, Fri May 1/2pm, Sun May 3/2:30pm

Enhance Your RING Experience

A wide range of ancillary activities will be available at the Lyric Opera House during the three weeks of Ring cycle performances in April/May 2020. These include:

• Longer! Louder! Wagner! The Second City Wagner Companion performances

• The Philosophy of the Ring lectures by University of Chicago scholar Martha Nussbaum

• Discussions with the Ring creative team, cast members, and Sir Andrew Davis

• The Music of Wagner recitals by artists from the Ryan Opera Center

• Flight of the Valkyries draft beer sampling events following performances of Das Rheingold

• Pre-Opera Talks before each performance

• Backstage Tours

Activity prices range from free to $69 and may be purchased à la carte, or as part of a Ring Ancillary All-Access Pass for $125 that allows access to one backstage tour, one performance of Longer! Louder! Wagner!, and your choice of additional activities. For more information, go to lyricopera.org/RING. Ring patrons will also be able to enjoy special pricing at several partner organizations around Chicago between Ring performances.

Out-of-town Ring patrons have access to specially priced accommodations at a variety of hotels. For more information please visit lyricopera.org/RING.

 

Midwest Premiere and New Production
Blue by Jeanine Tesori (composer, b. 1961) and Tazewell Thompson (librettist, b. 1948) 
6 performances June 19-28, 2020, at The Yard, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier
Sung in English with projected English texts

The Father:
Kenneth Kellogg*

The Mother:
Taylor Raven*

The Son:
Aaron Crouch*

The Reverend:
Mark Rucker*

Girlfriend 1/Female Congregant 1/Nurse:
Tiana Sorenson*

Girlfriend 2/Female Congregant 2:
Alicia Russell*

Girlfriend 3/Female Congregant 3:
Krysty Swann

Police Buddy 1/Male Congregant 1:
Cameo Humes*

Police Buddy 2/Male Congregant 2:
Martin Clark*

Police Office Buddy 3/Male Congregant 3:
Christopher Kenney°

Conductor:
Viswa Subbaraman*

Director:
Tazewell Thompson*

Scenic Designer:
Donald Eastman*

Costume Designer:
Jessica Jahn

Lighting Designer:
Robert Wierzel

Movement Coach:
Eric Sean Fogel

*Lyric debut
°Ryan Opera Center alumnus (when performances take place)

Blue is a coproduction with Glimmerglass Festival, Washington National Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago.

A project of Lyric Unlimited, presented in collaboration with Chicago Shakespeare Theater.


Lyric Premiere and New-to-Chicago Production
42nd Streetby Harry Warren (1893-1981) and Al Dubin (1891-1945)
25 performances, May 29 – June 21, 2020

Conductor:
Gareth Valentine*

Director and Choreographer:
Stephen Mear*

Set and Costume Designer:
Peter McKintosh*

Lighting Designer:
Chris Davey*

*Lyric debut

The cast for 42nd Street will be announced at a later date.

Production created by the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris.

Music by Harry Warren. Lyrics by Al Dubin. Book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble. Based on the novel by Bradford Ropes. Original direction and dances by Gower Champion. Originally produced on Broadway by David Merrick. The use of all songs is by arrangement with Warner Bros., the owner of music publishers’ rights.

Lead Sponsor: The Negaunee Foundation
Cosponsors: an Anonymous Donor and Donna Van Eekeren and Dale Connelly
Lead Corporate Sponsor: Invesco QQQ
Major in-kind audio support: Shure Incorporated

Photo: Felix Sanchez/Houston Grand Opera