Lyric Opera of Chicago
Choreography by Denis Jones
Scenic Design by Michael Yeargan
Lighting Design by Duane Schuler
Costume Design by Alejo Vietti
"...Lyric Opera continues to prove that melding musical theatre with grand opera only adds to the truth of a piece. This has never been more true of The Sound of Music which was in desperate need of a quality revival. Who knew that the Lyric would do more than just revive the musical but give it the definitive production that the stage show has always deserved." - ShowBizChicago
"...Billy Zane's Captain von Trapp comports himself with dignity, but also a touch of hesitancy; we don't see much of a journey from strict and stolid to softened by Maria, and there's not enough stirring behind his "Edelweiss" at the play's crucial moment. But one might not find so much to quibble with if Zane weren't surrounded by remarkable talent, including the altogether outstanding collection of young actors melting hearts as his children. Keep an eye on which mountains these kids climb." - Time Out Chicago
"...In its second of five planned spring productions of classic musicals by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the Lyric Opera of Chicago finds a sweet Alpine spot with director Marc Bruni's admirably lively new production of "The Sound of Music," a lavish yet accessible and family-oriented affair that features the kind of gorgeous picture-book design from Michael Yeargan that would delight the Austrian Tourist Office. There's an orchestra of 37 players under the baton of Rob Fisher, more singing nuns than anyone has the right to expect in this economy, a steep mountainside down which Maria can gambol (warbling all the way) and the Family von Trapp can make its escape, and an intermittently insouciant and wholly lovable Maria from the oft-underrated Broadway veteran Jenn Gambatese, an experienced but vulnerable performer in her vocal prime." - Chicago Tribune
"...Director Marc Bruni and conductor Rob Fisher, playing to a crowd of all ages, have salted this Rodgers and Hammerstein fairy-tale romance based on historical fact with sly wit and solid musical values. The nuns' choruses, led by dramatic soprano Christine Brewer as the Mother Abbess, resounded as in a cathedral. The orchestra had lushness only strings can give. Scene shifts were presto change-o and flowed as smoothly as the seven von Trapp children on their sized-right” - Chicago On the Aisle