Acknowledged by audiences and critics alike as one of the most magnificent achievements in the history of opera, Don Carlos masterfully reveals the private turmoil of very public personalities. In 16th-century Spain, King Philip II is torn apart by his own jealous suspicions that his son, crown prince Carlos, and Queen Elisabeth — Philip's young wife and Carlos's stepmother — are in love. The drama unfolds and washes over you with unforgettable intensity and thrilling musical splendor. The full stature of this epic opera will be revealed at Lyric as never before when performed in the full five acts, with the matchless eloquence of the opera's original French text. Don Carlos is a tour-de-force experience for those who love Verdi in his prime.
Two-time Grammy Award winning bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green makes his Chicago Philharmonic debut with an epoch-spanning performance of opera and musical masterworks. Green has established himself as one of the great bass-baritones in a generation, praised for his rich tone and commanding stage presence. He makes his leading role debut at the Metropolitan Opera this April in Terence Blanchard’s critically acclaimed “Champion”, and has made solo appearances with the New York Philharmonic, the Opéra national de Paris, and the LA Philharmonic. Green won his second Grammy Award for the role of Uncle Paul in Terence Blanchard’s groundbreaking “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” at the Met Opera in 2021. “From his first moment onward, Ryan Speedo Green’s booming bass was simply a revelation…it grabs you and holds your attention with its richness and size.” - Opera Wire
Back for its third year, we are pleased to remount the Athenaeum Center original. Dante 360 will take you on a journey through the Divine Comedy, from Inferno to Paradiso. This show explores the significance of the world’s most famous epic poem and its author, the illustrious Dante Alighieri. Experience the depth and complexity of Dante’s vision through a series of canto performances, displays of visual art, and music, which carry the soul alongside the pilgrim in his ascent to Paradise.
Broadway Showcase starring 80 children from the Chicagoland area. Over 20 famous songs from popular Broadway shows. Children ages 4-14
A Pajama Party, A Beloved Ballet and A World Premiere All In One Day A&A Ballet Announces its Spring Performance of The Famous Coppelia and the World Premiere of Sleepover at the Museum, Introducing Three Young Choreographers, Saturday, May 13, 2023. What: Experience an afternoon pajama party like no other. Enjoy the magical journey of music, dance and storytelling with A&A Ballet’s upcoming performance of the famous Coppélia and the world premiere ballet of Sleepover at the Museum! Lose yourself in the beauty and comedy of a classical ballet that Arthur Saint-Leon first premiered in 1870. Hailed by Mikhail Baryshnikov as “one of the most beautiful ballet scores”, Coppelia showcases classical ballet in its best form. Entertaining and technically capturing, the ballet is a perfect fit for the entire family and is recommended for ages 4+. Inspired by Karen LeFrak’s award-winning children’s book, Sleepover at the Museum, with original music composed by Karen LeFrak, invites children to join Mason and his friends as they embark on an adventure at the natural history museum for his birthday. This world premiere ballet, envisioned and conceptualized by Alexei Kremnev features the collaborative choreography and styles of three up and coming choreographers alongside A&A Ballet’s Alexei Kremnev. Ela Olarte – A young Philippine female choreographer Braeden Barnes – local choreographer, dancer of Visceral, former student of Anna Reznick and Alexei Kremnev Brielle Tripke – a teenage choreographer and student of A&A Ballet Who: Ballet company, A&A Ballet, was founded in 2016 by Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik. Both are distinguished dancers, choreographers and artistic leaders with experience as Founding Artistic Directors at the Joffrey Ballet Academy and the Joffrey Studio Company. Mr. Kremnevis work has been presented at the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Lincoln Center in New York, and the Opernhaus Zurich in Switzerland, among other prestigious venues across the globe. Both Kremnev and Reznik have received multiple awards for their leadership, including Business Leaders Award from the US Department of State and the Achievement Award in Culture from the Chicago Sister Cities International. About A&A Ballet A&A Ballet is based in Chicago’s state-of-the-art A&A Ballet Center for Dance and is devoted to training in strong, versatile dance techniques, as well as the development of personality, independence and artistry. Led by internationally acclaimed artists and former Founding Artistic Directors of the Joffrey Academy and Joffrey Studio Company, Anna Reznik and Alexei Kremnev, A&A offers a wide variety of classes, professional performance opportunities, private instruction, choreography and training for dancers ranging from age 3 to adult. To date, A&A students have secured more than 150 full scholarships and multiple company, apprentice and studio company positions with powerhouses including American Ballet Theater, Royal Danish Ballet, Boston Ballet, Norwegian National Ballet, Houston Ballet, Princess Grace Academy of Monaco, Bolshoi Ballet, Colorado Ballet, BalletMet and Sarasota Ballet. For more information visit www.aacenterfordance.org or call 312/545-2142.
“The Blackest Berry: Dancing African Diasporas” celebrates Black joy and being wrapped in a blanket of Blackness. A mainstage performance that wraps us all in a rich heritage of storytelling that everyone will be inspired by. A new commission by award-winning Guggenheim Fellow Tommie-Waheed Evans grounds the concert which celebrates the history and future of our kinship within the global Diaspora of Blackness.
“Now there was a man, a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, who came to Jesus at night…” -John 3:1 Based on the true story found in the gospel of John, Nicodemus is a contemporized retelling of the Biblical account, set in modern day. Nicodemus, an influential member of the clergy, meets Jesus face-to-face for the first time. That confrontation sets off a series of events that causes him to question his most foundational beliefs, and be a part of history’s biggest event. The Pharisees were most criticized by Jesus for their virtue signaling. Their desire for praise from others motivated their every move. Jesus condemned their need for approval from men over their need for approval from God. In this contemporary retelling, Nicodemus takes a look at the way virtue signaling over dedication to God disrupts religious communities in the modern day. Written and Directed by Timothy Gregory
HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. As a courtesy to our patrons, it is the policy of HAMILTON not to admit children under the age of 5.
The music. The moves. The icon. Now, the unparalleled artistry of the greatest entertainer of all time comes to Chicago as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its North American Tour premiere at the James M. Nederlander Theatre in Summer 2023. The MJ creative team features Scenic Design by Tony and two-time Emmy Award winner Derek McLane, Lighting Design by seven-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz, Costume Design by Tony and Emmy Award winner Paul Tazewell, Sound Design by Tony Award winner Gareth Owen, Projection Design by two-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini, and Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles LaPointe. The creative team will also feature Musical Supervision by David Holcenberg, Orchestrations and Arrangements by David Holcenberg and Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb, and Music Direction by Jason Michael Webb. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. MJ is recommended for ages 8 and older.
Here’s a reason to be happy ever after… Direct from Broadway, the Grammy®-winning and much beloved production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony®-winning triumph is coming to Chicago with its Broadway stars to boot. INTO THE WOODS features Montego Glover as The Witch, Stephanie J. Block as The Baker’s Wife, Sebastian Arcelus as The Baker, and Gavin Creel as Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf – all reprising their Broadway roles – in a production called “radiant” (Variety), “enchanting” (The Wall Street Journal), and “a priceless revival with a perfect cast” (The Washington Post). Directed by Lear deBessonet (Hercules), this theatrical event honors Sondheim’s legendary memory and his Broadway masterpiece like never before. “Should you go? Of course you should!” (The New York Times). All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. INTO THE WOODS is recommended for ages 4+
Celebrating the soundtrack of a generation! Beautiful is the inspiring true story of Carole King's remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing, trailblazing solo album, Beautiful takes you back to where it all began — and takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Featuring such unforgettable classics as "You've Got a Friend," "One Fine Day," "So Far Away,” "Take Good Care of My Baby," "Up on the Roof," "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," and "Natural Woman," this Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember and a story you'll never forget!
The mother of all musicals Gypsy is the tale of the ultimate ambitious stage mother, fighting for her daughters' success while secretly yearning for her own. Arthur Laurents' landmark show explores the world of two-bit show business with brass, humor, heart, and sophistication. This lavish classic boasts a celebrated score by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim including: "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Let Me Entertain You," "Some People," and "Together Wherever We Go."
Before The Beatles, Before The Stones, Rock & Roll Was Born Buddy is the smash hit musical celebration of the life of Buddy Holly. In just three short years, Buddy set the music world on fire and forever changed the face and sound of rock ‘n’ roll. Charting the true story of Buddy Holly’s meteoric rise in popularity from the moment in 1957 when “That’ll Be the Day” hit the airwaves until his tragic death less than two years later, this rocking musical features several of the decade's greatest hits, including “Peggy Sue,” “Everyday,” Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba,” The Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace”, “Oh Boy,” and many more.