Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Opera in the Neighborhoods program will tour “Katie: The Strongest of the Strong,” a bold new opera for young audiences celebrating the life of circus strongwoman Katie Sandwina.

The production will visit schools and community groups across Chicago and the suburbs throughout October and November, with nine student performances and one public performance, reaching thousands of students in grades three – six.

The cast includes mezzo-soprano Lauren Ingebrigtsen as Katie Sandwina, soprano Katy Lindhart as Marina, and mezzo-soprano Hillary Watkins, among others. Denise Yvette Serna directs, and Dr. Charlene Lotz conducts.

“Katie Sandwina’s journey in this opera reminds us that strength takes many forms — physical, emotional, and communal,” said Sheran Goodspeed Keyton, Director of Civic Engagement, per an official press release. “Through this opera, young people will discover a story that celebrates courage and conviction while also learning about the history of women who fought for change.”

Public audiences can experience the production on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago, with additional performances planned for spring 2026.

Composed by Faye Chiao with a libretto by Anton Dudley, “Katie: The Strongest of the Strong” introduces audiences to Sandwina, known in her time as “the strongest woman in the world,” who was also a wife, mother, and women’s suffrage advocate. It will feature an all-female cast and blends the spectacle of circus life with themes of resilience, justice, and community.

Since 1994, Opera in the Neighborhoods has brought imaginative youth operas to Chicago-area students, making the art form accessible to all.