****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** If you are a fan of classic operas presented in a very traditional manner and incorporating a mostly conventional approach to the narrative, then the current production of Lyric’s “La traviata” is a must-see. Giuseppe Verdi’s 1853 work, which is far and away the most romantic of his numerous creations, remains one of the most beloved and frequently performed operas in the repertoire of all of the major houses throughout the world. Verdi, working with a libretto by Francesco Maria Piave (the two men had an intense personal connection and are responsible for numerous successful operas) has taken the themes of disease and love and loss and forged them with a somewhat scathing critique of Parisian society’s mores. The result is a timeless and powerfully beautiful achievement. 4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS
“La traviata” is presented at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker, Chicago. Best parking option: The Poetry Garage, 201 West Madison, $12 in advance at www.thepoetrygarage.com. Valet parking is also available – $30.
There are seven remaining performances of “La traviata”, March 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, and 22nd. Running time is 2 hours, 50 minutes, with two intermissions. Tickets start at $39. FYI (312) 827-5600 or www.lyricopera.org/Traviata.
Read reviews by Carol Moore and Jeffrey Leibham at www.spotlightonlake.com.
