February 19, 2020
Kiss & Tell: Valentine's Day at Lyric
On Valentine's Day, Norah and Jeff visited Lyric for the first time to see Puccini's Madama Butterfly. We caught up with them at intermission to hear their thoughts on the experience. Here is a glimpse into their own love story and why the couple chose Lyric for their perfect date night.
How did you two meet?
Norah: We met on Match.com, then officially met at Piece Pizza. It was a couple of years ago, just a month after I moved to Chicago for grad school.
Why did you decide to come to the opera for Valentine’s Day?
Jeff: Going to the opera was a bucket list item for both of us. Living in the city of Chicago, there are so many cultural institutions and the opera was one that we've both been interested in.
Norah: I'm pregnant—due in April—so this was kind of the last hurrah before the baby. Opera is often all about love, although sometimes it can be sad, so we said, "let's do it!"
Jeff: I had heard snippets of opera here and there, but never seen a full performance. Sometimes you think it can be a snooty time, but it's not at all.
Norah: Also, I didn't know there would be subtitles and that greatly helps! If there hadn't been, I would have had to think back to my high school Italian! It's really been awesome; I had never been in this theater either and it really is so iconic and such a touchpoint in Chicago architecture. The stereotype of a "typical opera house" fits here, and in a really good way.
Jeff: It adds to the experience, too, because you're seeing such a beautiful performance in such a beautiful space.
How have you enjoyed MADAMA BUTTERFLY so far?
Norah: Their voices are amazing, the set design and visually everything is so pleasing. So far, it's been really fantastic. An awesome experience.
What makes opera a great date night?
Norah: The stories are all about love, whether tragic or not tragic, but it's very romantic and a very expressive way to show the ecstasy of love, desire, and passion.
Jeff: For me, it's a chance to try something new and different together. You can go on a date night, you can go to a movie, or a concert, but for us, who have never been to an opera, it's an opportunity to dress up and to be a part of a magical, new musical experience.
If your love story were made into an opera, would it be a comedy or an epic drama?
Norah: Definitely a comedy. Tonight was almost a comedy, we got here just in the nick of time. There was a Brown line delay, of course, I'm running downtown in heels, very pregnant, panting "we can do this, we're going to make it!" and we did! Definitely some tense moments, some hilarious moments on the L, saying "well, this is what happens!"
The next time you're looking for the perfect date night, we hope you'll think of joining us at the opera. Whether it's a tragic romance like Madama Butterfly or The Queen of Spades or a fun-filled musical like 42nd Street, love is always in the air at Lyric.
Share your own story by visiting People of Lyric for the opportunity to win tickets, gift certificates, exclusive Lyric merchandise and more.