November 16. 2024 - December 01. 2024
November 16. 2024 - December 01. 2024
Blue is destined to become an American classic. Co-produced by Lyric, The Glimmerglass Festival, and Washington National Opera, the opera presents the moving story of a Black middle-class family in Harlem whose hopes and dreams for their teenage son are shattered when he is shot by a white police officer. Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori’s magnificently moving music is matched by Tazewell Thompson’s probing, deeply sensitive libretto. The vocally and theatrically formidable bass Kenneth Kellogg (Lyric debut), who scored a triumph in the world premiere and in productions around the world, plays opposite two outstanding American artists – mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams and baritone Norman Garrett – in this anticipated Chicago premiere.
Content advisory: Blue includes profanity, racial slurs, and an off-stage death resulting from police violence. Recommended for mature audiences.
Lyric’s presentation of Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s Blue is generously made possible by the Pritzker Traubert Foundation and The Joyce Foundation, with additional support from Conagra Brands Foundation.
Kenneth Kellogg as Father and Zoie Reams as Mother.
Photo: Kyle Flubacker
Kenneth Kellogg as Father, Travon D. Walker as Son, and Zoie Reams as Mother.
Photo: Kyle Flubacker
Adia Evans as Girlfriend #2, Zoie Reams as Mother, Krysty Swann as Girlfriend #3, and Ariana Wehr as Girlfriend #1.
Photo: Kyle Flubacker
Christopher Humbert Jr. as Policeman #3, Kenneth Kellogg as Father, Jonathan Pierce Rhodes as Policeman #2, and Terrence Chin-Loy as Policeman #1.
Photo: Kyle Flubacker
Kenneth Kellogg as Father and Norman Garrett as Reverend.
Photo: Kyle Flubacker
Kenneth Kellogg as Father, Zoie Reams as Mother, and the company of Blue.
Photo: Kyle Flubacker
Kenneth Kellogg as Father and Travon D. Walker as Son.
Photo: Kyle Flubacker
November 16 - December 1, at Lyric Opera
Join us for the intersection of art and music during the Chicago premiere of Blue. Lyric presents work from three unique exhibitions by Chicago artist and activist Tonika Johnson at the Lyric Opera House: Thoughts on Parenthood, Belonging, and Alternative Spaces. Johnson’s work explores issues of parenthood, race, and resiliency. The exhibit is open to ticket holders during Lyric performances November 16 - December 1 and open to the public November 13, 19, 20 & 26 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
December 1, 11:00 AM, at Lyric Opera
Black chamber music collective string quartet D-Composed will present its music and meditation series, D-Compressed, as part of Lyric Opera’s Music That Heals series. This music & meditation experience creates a space for healing and reflection featuring the music of Black composers. Cherish Hicks of Beyond Wellness will provide meditative affirmations to create healing sound waves throughout the experience.
Pre-opera talks
Pre-opera talks for Blue will be presented as Shades of Blue, a series of conversations between Lyric Unlimited Scholar-in-Residence, Dr. Antonio C. Cuyler, and special guests who will explore the themes and complex community issues that this contemporary opera brings to the surface.
The following is the schedule for Blue pre-opera talks:
Mother
Father
Son
Reverend
Girlfriend #1/Nurse
Girlfriend #2
Girlfriend #3
Policeman #1
Policeman #2
Policeman #3
Conductor
Director
Set Designer
Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
* Lyric debut
*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
Go inside this production of Blue with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.
Scenery and Costumes for this production of Blue are co-produced by Lyric Opera of Chicago, Glimmerglass Festival, Washington National Opera.
Header images: Scott Suchman/Washington National Opera, Karli Cadel/The Glimmerglass Festival
