From fairy-tale to Freudian tale: Hansel and Gretel in Chicago

By Kristina Powers, 19 December 2012

Loading, please wait...

See full listing

Reviewed at Lyric Opera House, Chicago on 16 December 2012

Humperdinck, Hänsel und Gretel

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra

Ward Stare, Conductor

Eric Einhorn, Director

Elizabeth DeShong, Hänsel

Maria Kanyova, Gretel

Jill Grove, Witch

Sir David McVicar’s psychologically driven Salome arrives in Chicago

Graham Meyer, 25th January

Revived at Lyric Opera of Chicago, the notorious opera director’s take stirs sympathy for Salome, but leans on some of his theatrical hobby-horses

****1

Missy Mazzoli’s The Listeners takes its Chicago bow

Graham Meyer, 2nd April

Lyric Opera of Chicago's production of Missy Mazzoli's opera, which the company co-commissioned, has strong, dramatic, expressive music throughout, but the story lacks continuity.

**111

A light Marriage of Figaro makes the case for fun in Chicago

Graham Meyer, 9th November

Lyric Opera of Chicago revives its diverting and divisive 2015 original production by Barbara Gaines, who does it like a Shakespearean sex farce.

****1

Rigoletto cast dazzles in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s season opener

Graham Meyer, 14th September

Through brilliant singing and layered acting, Javier Camarena, Mané Galoyan, and Igor Golovatenko drive a Rigoletto to warm a traditionalist's heart.

****1

Davidsen and Stemme anchor an extraordinary Jenůfa in Chicago

Cameron Kelsall, 12th November

Claus Guth's production foregrounds the regimented, repressive world that drives the plot of Janáček’s tragic masterpiece.

*****

A vibrant, urgent Ariodante at Lyric Opera of Chicago

Katherine Syer, 2nd March

A revival of Richard Jones’ production of Handel’s emotionally probing opera.

*****

More reviews...

Kristina Powers

Kristina is a Liberal Arts major at Lewis University in Illinois and an experienced musician with a passion for historically informed performance practice. A violinist since the age of six, she plays several instruments, sings soprano, is continuing her musical education and performs at local venues.