CHICAGO (6/27/24) — This fall, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Opera in the Neighborhoods program will captivate audiences with a tour of the youth opera Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World. Composed by Joe Illick with a libretto by Mark Campbell, and based on the acclaimed picture book by Laurence Anholt, this enchanting production will tour numerous community venues across the Chicago area, sparking the imaginations of audiences and celebrating the vibrant legacy of one of the 20th century's most iconic artists.
Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World recounts the real-life friendship between a young girl living in Mexico City and the legendary artist Frida Kahlo. After Mariana musters up her courage to meet Frida and the two form a friendship, Frida introduces her to a world where fear is faced with bravery and creates new adventures. The opera features a vibrant cast of characters, including Frida’s husband Diego Rivera and their beloved pets, all portrayed through engaging song and narrative.
Under the Opera in the Neighborhoods banner, Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World is a fully mobile touring production that will be presented for student groups in and around Chicago. New this season, Lyric Opera of Chicago is providing free tickets for all performances, demonstrating its commitment to offering affordable artistic experiences to audiences of all ages. The production of Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World will feature 11 school performances at venues throughout the Chicago area and suburbs, and three performances at Chicago performing arts facilities for the public to enjoy. By bringing opera directly to students, Opera in the Neighborhoods ensures that audiences across a wide range of communities can enjoy and be inspired by live performances.
The lineup of free public performances includes:
- Saturday, October 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Kennedy-King College
- Sunday, October 27 at 2:00 p.m. at the Merit School of Music
- Saturday, November 2 at 2:30 p.m. at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts
Reservations for the Kennedy-King College performance are available now at lyricopera.org/frida, with the other performances available soon.
Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World is directed by Denise Yvette Serna with music direction by Dr. Charlene Lotz. This production features mezzo-soprano Miya Higashiyama as Alicia/Frida Kahlo, soprano Nicole Besa as Mariana, baritone Samuel J. Dewese as Eduardo Sr./Bonito/Diego Rivera, soprano Katy Lindhart as Rosita/Fulang Chang, and tenor Karlos Piñero-Mercado as Eduardo Jr./Mr. Xoloti. The production includes set and props design by Brandon David Riel and costumes by Carrie Rees. The opera has a running time of 45 minutes and is performed in English and Spanish.
Opera in the Neighborhoods is a longstanding initiative by Lyric Unlimited, the learning and civic engagement division of Lyric Opera of Chicago, designed to bring the magic of opera to audiences outside the opera house. Launched in 1994, the program has presented a variety of popular abridged operas and now features original works commissioned from world-class composers, exploring relevant themes for contemporary audiences.
"We are delighted to offer students an opportunity to experience opera through Lyric's Opera in the Neighborhoods program," says Jill LeCesne Potter, Senior Director of Learning Programs. "Operas like Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World have the unique ability to inspire and educate by introducing historical figures with cultural significance and stories with relatable themes. Our goal is to ensure the arts remain accessible to all and that an appreciation for opera continues through many generations to come."
To become more familiar with this upcoming production, as part of Lyric’s annual Sunday in the Park with Lyric concert, families can participate in Lyric’s Art-See Jamboree on Sunday, August 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., kicking off the opera season. Every half hour, starting at 11:30 a.m., storyteller Jasmin Cardenas will read Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World, providing a preview of the upcoming performance tour. Attendees can also create art with William Estrada of the Mobile Street Art Cart Project, enjoy live music with a DJ, take photos, collect swag bags, and learn about Lyric's upcoming offerings. For more information on Lyric’s Art-See Jamboree, visit lyricopera.org/millennium.
Patrons can save the date for Explore Your Lyric on Saturday, April 26, 2025, when people of all ages can enjoy a day of exploration and fun at the Lyric Opera House, featuring special performances of Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World. Lyric will offer various entertaining behind-the-scenes activities from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tickets for this family-friendly event are on sale at are on sale at lyricopera.org/explorelyric.
For more information on the Opera in the Neighborhoods program, please visit lyricopera.org/frida.
