Oaklee’s guest post by Magda Krance
Lyric Opera of Chicago offers families all kinds of ways to discover and enjoy live performances and make some great memories together – almost all year round!
In addition to classic grand opera, this world-renowned Chicago gem produces beloved American musicals, opera adventures for kids and their families, piano concerts by exciting young artists, community performances, and even mariachi operas!
Just walking through the doors of the beautiful Civic Opera House is a thrilling experience that’s sure to have everyone wide-eyed with wonder (and snapping selfies!). The elegant setting gives everyone a chance to show off their best dressy clothes. The gorgeous painted ceilings, the gleaming bronze details (musical instruments, comedy-tragedy masks, and other delights everywhere you look), the stunning chandeliers, and the amazing 3,500-seat theater itself will capture everyone’s attention and imagination – guaranteed!
And that’s before the lights go down and the performance begins! Then it’s time for some serious amazement. The orchestra begins to play, setting the mood for the story that’s about to be told. When the curtain goes up it’s not uncommon to hear the audience gasp all together (and sometimes applaud) at the beautiful scenery that’s revealed. And when the elaborately costumed and wigged performers start singing and acting their story for you, well, it’s simply magical.
Your next chance to experience Lyric’s magic with your family starts April 10 when the carousel comes to town. Lyric’s brand-new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel is full of dazzling dancing and gorgeous, familiar songs, including “If I Loved You,” “June is Bustin’ Out All Over,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and more.
Experience what Time magazine called “the best musical of the 20th century” as only Lyric Opera can present it – with all the resources of a great American opera company, including the outstanding musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus! Carousel’s classic tale of love and redemption touches all hearts and features a dream cast of Broadway stars. Yes, that is Steven Pasquale from The Good Wife on CBS playing the leading role of carousel barker Billy Bigelow – and yes, he can sing! (He also starred in the Broadway musical The Bridges of Madison County.) Laura Osnes (Broadway’s Cinderella) is Billy’s true love Julie Jordan, and Jenn Gambatese (Maria in Lyric’s The Sound of Music, Jane in Broadway’s Tarzan) is her best friend Carrie Pipperidge.
Get tickets and learn more about the cast and production of Carousel, and Lyric Opera of Chicago, by visiting lyricopera.org/carousel or calling 312-827-5600. Weekend matinee performances at 1:30pm on April 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, and May 2, 3.
When the opera season starts in late September, be sure to bring your family for the sparkling season openers, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro (Sun. mat. Oct. 18) and Rossini’s Cinderella (Sun. mat. Oct. 4). Children’s tickets are just $20-$50 for every opera at Lyric. Don’t miss out on the fabulous, fancy fun!
