****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** Simply stated, Lyric’s “Siegfried” is a smashing success. Conceptually, this is one of the finest and entirely cohesive productions to hit the Lyric stage in many seasons, and one in which all of its creative team, director David Pountney, conductor Sir Andrew Davis, the Lyric Orchestra and all of the performers are at the top of their game. It is a work that contains epic emotions regarding loneliness, loyalty to family, identity, acceptance of one’s receding power, lack of trepidation and even some profound moral honesty, with a deep appreciation for the natural world. It is also one heck of a thrilling adventurous tale filled with abundant humor, which is one thing many people may not realize when they think of Richard Wagner and his Ring Cycle, of which “Siegfried” is the third installment in the tetralogy. 4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS
Due to the monumental concentration required of conductor Sir Andrew Davis and the tremendous mental strain placed upon all of the musicians as well as the vocal demands of the entire cast, Lyric Opera has sadly only scheduled a total of four performances of this work. This is, hands down, the best production of “Siegfried” that I have ever experienced. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to enjoy it too. The remaining performances are:
Sunday, November 11 at 1:00 PM
Friday, November 16 at 6:00 PM
“Seigfried” is presented in three acts. Running time is 5 hours, including two 30-minute intermissions. Performances are in German with projected English translations.
“Seigfried” is presented at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Best parking option: The Poetry Garage, 201 West Madison, $12 in advance at www.thepoetrygarage.com. Valet parking is also available – $30. Tickets start at $119. Various dining options are available, including bag suppers by Rivers Restaurant available for purchase before the performance. FYI (312) 827-5600 or www. lyricopera.org/Siegfried
Read Jeffrey Leibham’s complete review at www.spotlightonlake.com
