| Chicago Opera Theater - Chicago | 14 April 2021 |
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Macbeth
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Performance reviews
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Taking Up SerpentsChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Chicago Opera Theater’s scorching ‘Taking Up Serpents’ captures America’s Pentecostal fervor |
 3 Mar 21 / WTTW |
In ‘Taking Up Serpents’ a young woman tries to escape a snake-loving father |
| 2 Mar 21 / Chicago Tribune |
COT’s offbeat “Taking Up Serpents” gives notice of a talented new composer |
| 1 Mar 21 / Classical Review |
The Transformation of Jane DoeChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 1 | |
‘Jane Doe' a virtual success with an intense story of ambition |
| 17 Sep 20 / Chicago Tribune |
Freedom RideChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 3 | |
A triumph of art and history |
| 12 Feb 20 / WTTW |
‘Freedom Ride’ illuminates a battle for civil rights |
| 10 Feb 20 / Chicago Tribune |
COT’s trivial “Freedom Ride” reduces Civil Rights heroes to soap opera cliches |
| 10 Feb 20 / Classical Review |
EverestChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Chicago Opera Theater captures extreme passions in pair of life-and-death one-acts |
| 22 Nov 19 / WTTW |
Conquering Everest and Aleko: Chicago Opera Theater's bold study of contrasts |
| 21 Nov 19 / Bachtrack |
On a bountiful opera weekend, Chicago Opera Theater climbs a peak |
| 20 Nov 19 / Chicago Reader |
more reviews [+]
Chicago Opera Theater scales the heights with “Everest,” “Aleko” |
| 18 Nov 19 / Classical Review |
AlekoChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Chicago Opera Theater captures extreme passions in pair of life-and-death one-acts |
| 22 Nov 19 / WTTW |
Conquering Everest and Aleko: Chicago Opera Theater's bold study of contrasts |
| 21 Nov 19 / Bachtrack |
On a bountiful opera weekend, Chicago Opera Theater climbs a peak |
| 20 Nov 19 / Chicago Reader |
more reviews [+]
Chicago Opera Theater scales the heights with “Everest,” “Aleko” |
| 18 Nov 19 / Classical Review |
Moby-DickChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 6 | |
This superb ‘Moby-Dick’ is a defining point in Chicago Opera Theater’s history |
| 27 Apr 19 / Chicago Sun-Times |
Riding the waves of madness and sanity in opera version of ‘Moby-Dick’ |
| 27 Apr 19 / WTTW |
Chicago Opera Theater's Moby-Dick is well worth chasing down |
| 27 Apr 19 / Chicago Reader |
more reviews [+]
COT wraps season in epic fashion with Heggie’s majestic “Moby-Dick” |
| 27 Apr 19 / Classical Review |
A slightly flawed but still mighty 'Moby-Dick' |
| 27 Apr 19 / Chicago Tribune |
Dramatic opera on the high seas |
| 27 Apr 19 / Hyde Park Herald |
The Scarlet IbisChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Conflict of brotherly love, honed to lyric pitch |
| 2 Mar 19 / Chicago on the Aisle |
Tough and tender opera conjures boy out of place |
| 23 Feb 19 / Classical Voice North America |
A small story soars in this new opera |
| 20 Feb 19 / Stage and Cinema |
more reviews [+]
COT brings an affecting family tale to compelling life with “The Scarlet Ibis” |
| 18 Feb 19 / Classical Review |
IolantaChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 3 | |
In jewel-box setting, Chicago Opera Theater polishes rare Tchaikovsky treasure ‘Iolanta’ |
| 20 Nov 18 / Chicago on the Aisle |
COT illuminates “Iolanta” with ardent vocalism, rich Russian flavor |
| 13 Nov 18 / Classical Review |
An impassioned 'Iolanta' at Chicago Opera Theater |
| 13 Nov 18 / Chicago Tribune |
RitaChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Donizetti double bill is a masterclass in composition |
| 26 Apr 18 / OperaWire |
Donizetti’s Il Pigmalione and Rita demonstrate two versions of love |
| 21 Apr 18 / Chicago Reader |
COT closes season with uneven Donizetti double bill |
| 18 Apr 18 / Classical Review |
more reviews [+]
Chicago Opera Theater brings flair to comic, serious Donizetti one-acters |
| 18 Apr 18 / Chicago Tribune |
A double-bill of Donizetti pays worthy homage to his genius |
| 18 Apr 18 / OperaWire |
Il PigmalioneChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Donizetti double bill is a masterclass in composition |
| 26 Apr 18 / OperaWire |
Donizetti’s Il Pigmalione and Rita demonstrate two versions of love |
| 21 Apr 18 / Chicago Reader |
COT closes season with uneven Donizetti double bill |
| 18 Apr 18 / Classical Review |
more reviews [+]
Chicago Opera Theater brings flair to comic, serious Donizetti one-acters |
| 18 Apr 18 / Chicago Tribune |
A double-bill of Donizetti pays worthy homage to his genius |
| 18 Apr 18 / OperaWire |
Elizabeth CreeChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 4 | |
A masterpiece hits the stage in potent fashion |
| 15 Feb 18 / OperaWire |
Chicago Opera Theater’s gory and good Elizabeth Cree |
| 14 Feb 18 / Chicago Reader |
Victorian murder mystery |
| 14 Feb 18 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Chicago Opera Theater's 'Elizabeth Cree' is a bloody good show |
| 12 Feb 18 / Chicago Tribune |
The ConsulChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Menotti’s opera given harrowing production featuring Patricia Racette |
| 7 Nov 17 / OperaWire |
COT wraps Mitisek era on a high note as Racette soars in Menotti’s powerful “Consul” |
| 6 Nov 17 / Classical Review |
Racette's searing performance elevates melodramatic hokum of COT's 'The Consul' |
| 6 Nov 17 / Chicago Tribune |
The Perfect AmericanChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 2 | |
“The Perfect American:” an imperfect opera |
| 27 Apr 17 / Hyde Park Herald |
A darker Walt Disney conjured in 'The Perfect American' |
| 24 Apr 17 / Chicago Tribune |
The Invention of MorelChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 2 | |
A brilliant piece of musical surrealism |
| 20 Feb 17 / Chicago Tribune |
Blind love and immortality haunt ‘The Invention of Morel’ |
| 20 Feb 17 / Chicago Sun-Times |
The Fairy QueenChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 2 | |
COT's 'Fairy Queen' transplants Purcell's baroque masque to Sin City |
| 8 Nov 16 / Chicago Tribune |
Purcell’s music, likable cast win out over theatrical excess in COT’s Sin City “Fairy Queen” |
| 8 Nov 16 / Chicago Classical Review |
Le vin herbéChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Opera Theater's 'Love Potion' casts a haunting spell |
| 2 Oct 16 / Chicago Tribune |
Chicago Opera Theater makes a case for Martin’s austere “Le vin herbé” |
| 2 Oct 16 / Chicago Classical Review |
Dido and AeneasChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 3 | |
In music and movement, Mark Morris troupe touches tangled hearts of ‘Dido and Aeneas’ |
| 13 Apr 16 / Chicago on the Aisle |
After 27 years, Mark Morris' 'Dido and Aeneas' only gains in force |
| 13 Apr 16 / Chicago Tribune |
Dido and Aeneas at the revamped Harris Theater |
| 13 Apr 16 / Chicago Reader |
La voix humaineChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Two contrasting views of human desperation |
| 11 Feb 16 / Opera News |
Patricia Racette lifts COT double bill of comic, tragic rarities |
| 10 Feb 16 / Chicago Tribune |
A damned good pairing |
| 10 Feb 16 / Stage and Cinema |
Gianni SchicchiChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Two contrasting views of human desperation |
| 11 Feb 16 / Opera News |
Patricia Racette lifts COT double bill of comic, tragic rarities |
| 10 Feb 16 / Chicago Tribune |
A damned good pairing |
| 10 Feb 16 / Stage and Cinema |
Lucio SillaChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Not much to look at, but starkly effective |
| 27 Sep 15 / Chicago Tribune |
Highly relevant, musically riveting, and a boon for Chicago’s opera lovers |
| 27 Sep 15 / Newcity Stage |
Singers provide fleeting pleasures in COT’s trashy revisionist “Lucio" |
| 25 Sep 15 / Chicago Classical Review |
A Coffin in EgyptChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 2 | |
COT's 'Coffin' a moving star vehicle for von Stade |
| 27 Apr 15 / Chicago Tribune |
A radiant von Stade can’t raise COT’s “Coffin in Egypt” |
| 27 Apr 15 / Chicago Classical Review |
associated articles [+]
Frederica von Stade
Famous trouser roles folded away, opera star von Stade channels a queen of Egypt (Texas).
Famous trouser roles folded away, opera star von Stade channels a queen of Egypt (Texas).
Thérèse RaquinChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Operatic passion at heart of COT’s ‘Therese Raquin’ |
| 25 Feb 15 / The Beverly Review |
COT delivers effective staging of Picker’s compelling “Thérèse Raquin” |
| 25 Feb 15 / Chicago Classical Review |
Emotionally potent 'Therese Raquin' at Chicago Opera Theater |
| 25 Feb 15 / Chicago Sun-Times |
more reviews [+]
Chicago Opera Theater's Thérèse Raquin is pretty grim—simulated cunnilingus and all |
| 24 Feb 15 / Chicago Reader |
MacbethChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 5 | |
COT's heated, in-your-face Macbeth |
| 18 Sep 14 / Chicago Reader |
Chicago Opera Theater buffs up neglected jewel in high-tech staging of Bloch’s grand ‘Macbeth’ |
| 18 Sep 14 / Chicago on the Aisle |
The opera is a welcome discovery indeed |
| 15 Sep 14 / Chicago Tribune |
more reviews [+]
COT’s worthy revival of Bloch’s “Macbeth” undone by distracting video and unkind cuts |
| 15 Sep 14 / Chicago Classical Review |
The music serves Shakespeare in Bloch's seldom heard 'Macbeth' |
| 15 Sep 14 / Chicago Sun-Times |
Die KlugeChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Watercolor Prisons: The Emperor of Atlantis and The Clever One |
| 6 Jun 14 / Bachtrack |
Chicago Opera Theater double bill jarring but effective |
| 2 Jun 14 / Chicago Sun-Times |
COT stages two political satires crafted under Nazis |
| 2 Jun 14 / Chicago Tribune |
more reviews [+]
Soprano lifts COT’s uneven double bill of wartime works |
| 2 Jun 14 / Chicago Classical Review |
Der Kaiser von AtlantisChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Watercolor Prisons: The Emperor of Atlantis and The Clever One |
| 6 Jun 14 / Bachtrack |
Chicago Opera Theater double bill jarring but effective |
| 2 Jun 14 / Chicago Sun-Times |
COT stages two political satires crafted under Nazis |
| 2 Jun 14 / Chicago Tribune |
more reviews [+]
Soprano lifts COT’s uneven double bill of wartime works |
| 2 Jun 14 / Chicago Classical Review |
Queenie PieChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Ellington left his ‘Queenie Pie’ dream in scraps, and COT bucks odds in bid to make it whole |
| 24 Feb 14 / Chicago on the Aisle |
Limitations of ‘Queenie Pie’ and its stars magnified in lavish COT production |
| 17 Feb 14 / Chicago Sun-Times |
Even with Duke Ellington’s music, COT’s “Queenie Pie” is barely skin deep |
| 17 Feb 14 / Chicago Classical Review |
associated articles [+]
Queenie Pie performances rescheduled
Chicago Opera Theater reschedules all performances of Queenie Pie After Harris Center fire.
Chicago Opera Theater reschedules all performances of Queenie Pie After Harris Center fire.
Orpheus and EuridiceChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 3 | |
COT shines shimmering modern light on ancient myth |
| 4 Nov 13 / Chicago Tribune |
To improve ‘Orpheus & Euridice,’ just add water |
| 4 Nov 13 / Chicago Sun-Times |
Chicago Opera Theater goes audaciously aquatic with “Orpheus” |
| 4 Nov 13 / Chicago Classical Review |
Giovanna d'ArcoChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 5 | |
A chapter from history (well, not really) |
| 16 Oct 13 / Splash Magazines |
Muddling the stakes, Chicago Opera Theater drives one through the heart of Verdi’s ‘Joan’ |
| 1 Oct 13 / Chicago on the Aisle |
Flashy, shocking reworking of the legend |
| 29 Sep 13 / Chicago Now |
more reviews [+]
Opera Theater's 'Joan of Arc' yields mixed results |
| 23 Sep 13 / Chicago Tribune |
COT’s disastrous Regie production burns Verdi and “Joan of Arc” |
| 23 Sep 13 / Chicago Classical Review |
Maria de Buenos AiresChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 4 | |
COT's 'Maria de Buenos Aires' explores e resilient human spirit |
| 1 May 13 / The Examiner |
COT’s revamped “Maria” makes for brilliant and audacious theater |
| 26 Apr 13 / Chicago Classical Review |
Chicago Opera Theater, Luna Negra Dance team for rarely staged tango opera |
| 23 Apr 13 / Chicago Sun-Times |
more reviews [+]
COT's 'Maria de Buenos Aires' a dark tango with history |
| 22 Apr 13 / Chicago Tribune |
The Fall of the House of UsherChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 4 | |
This old ‘House’ a bit shaky as multi-Mitisek ushers in COT regime with goth Philip Glass |
| 28 Feb 13 / Chicago on the Aisle |
Cazan's reinterpretation works at heightening the drama |
| 28 Feb 13 / Windy City Times |
Chicago Opera Theater steps through a Glass, darkly |
| 26 Feb 13 / Chicago Tribune |
more reviews [+]
Chicago Opera Theater opens season with a mixed local debut for Glass’s “Usher” |
| 26 Feb 13 / Classical Review |
Die ZauberflöteChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Thoughtfully modern production keeps this classic engaging |
| 18 Sep 12 / Chicago Now |
A superb young cast sparks COT’s eclectic “Magic Flute” |
| 17 Sep 12 / Chicago Classical Review |
Chicago Opera Theater proves ‘Magic Flute’ isn’t totally played out |
| 17 Sep 12 / Chicago Sun-Times |
more reviews [+]
Dickie era at COT ends with minimalist Mozart |
| 17 Sep 12 / Chicago Tribune |
TeseoChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 6 | |
Chicago Opera Theater does Teseo |
| 28 Apr 12 / Chicago Reader |
Love conquers all at the Chicago Opera Theater |
| 26 Apr 12 / Bachtrack |
Handel’s early vengeance opera ‘Teseo’ shines amid Chicago Opera Theater’s vocal splendors |
| 26 Apr 12 / Chicago on the Aisle |
more reviews [+]
A rare Handel, done with the utmost care by Chicago Opera Theater |
| 23 Apr 12 / Chicago Sun-Times |
Neglected Handel gem a must for early opera lovers |
| 23 Apr 12 / Chicago Tribune |
COT wraps Medea cycle with a supremely stylish and well sung “Teseo” |
| 23 Apr 12 / Chicago Classical Review |
Moskva, CheremushkiChicago Opera TheaterNo. of reviews: 1 | |
COT’s young cast and lively production shine in Shostakovich’s charming “Moscow, Cheryomushki” |
| 16 Apr 12 / Chicago Classical Review |
| No more reviews |
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News & Articles
| Chicago Opera Theater announces digital 2020-21 season |
Chicago Opera Theater has announced an extensive digital 2020-21 season, which will feature five full operas. |
| 3 Sep 2020 / OperaWire |
| Chicago Opera Theater: Seeing light at the end of the tunnel |
Chicago Opera Theater has taken a realistic yet optimistic approach to the future and recently held a streaming event to reveal its upcoming season. |
| 9 Jun 2020 / Hyde Park Herald |
| Chicago Opera Theater receives $500,000 grant |
Chicago Opera Theater has received a $500,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The grant will support the Vanguard Emerging Opera Composer Residency Program. |
| 22 Oct 2019 / OperaWire |
| Chicago Opera Theater announces 2019/2020 season |
The company's 47th season will include productions of two exciting contemporary operas, a Chicago premiere by Rachmaninov, and the company's second world premiere commission. |
| 14 Mar 2019 / Broadway World |
| Chicago Opera Theater names new General Director |
The Chicago Opera Theater has announced that Ashley Magnus will be the new Stefan Edlis and Gael Neeson General Director, effective immediately. |
| 19 Jan 2019 / OperaWire |
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