Chicago Opera Theater 2017-18 Review: Elizabeth Cree: A Masterpiece Hits the Stage in Potent Fashion

The Chicago Opera Theater presented a stellar performance of “Elizabeth Cree” on Feb. 10, 2018, at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago’s Fine Arts Building. A co-production with Opera Philadelphia, this murder mystery opera based on Peter Ackroyd’s historical crime novel, “The Trial of Elizabeth Cree,” treads a knife-edge, successfully balancing horrific dramatic narrative, tongue-in-cheek vaudeville, and bittersweet pathos. Mark Campbell’s text {…}

Feb 6, 2018

Q & A: Kevin Puts & Mark Campbell On the Creation of ‘Elizabeth Cree’

Murder, mystery, and mayhem are on offer in “Elizabeth Cree” when it opens this Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Chicago Opera Theater. Set in 1880s Victorian London, the opera begins with the hanging of Elizabeth Cree for the murder of her husband, John. The story then circles back to the trial for that murder and Elizabeth’s own narrative of her {…}

Jun 1, 2017

Fun Facts About Kevin Puts’ ‘Elizabeth Cree’ & The Crypt Sessions

“The only thing alive in a Crypt is the sound,” said Mark Campbell during a preview presentation of “Elizabeth Cree.” And right he was as Daniela Mack and Joseph Gaines’ voices rang through the crypt first performing selections from Britten and Poulenc and later from the new work at the Crypt Sessions. The evening was filled with good wine, food {…}

May 6, 2017

The Crypt Sessions To Preview Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell’s ‘Elizabeth Cree’

The Crypt Sessions Season 2 continues on May 31, 2017, with a preview of “Elizabeth Cree.” The new work was composed by the Pulitzer Prize-winning team of composer Kevin Puts and librettist Mark Campbell and is slated to have its world premiere Sept. 14, 2017, as part of Opera Philadelphia’s inaugural fall festival. Puts will accompany mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack, who will create the title role {…}

Apr 13, 2017

12 Modern Operas That Yannick Nézet-Séguin Must Bring to the Metropolitan Opera

A few weeks ago, Metropolitan Opera Music Director Designate Yannick Nézet-Séguin made the proclamation that he would be bringing newer and fresher composers to the Metropolitan Opera throughout his tenure. A few days later it was reported that among the new composers he would be bringing would be Jake Heggie’s “Dead Man Walking.” It’s a great start, considering Heggie, who {…}

Apr 5, 2017

Patricia Racette and Kevin Puts Headline Chicago Opera Theater’s 2017-18 Season

The Chicago Opera Theater has announced its 2017-18 Season with three rare works being performed. Patricia Racette headlines opening night as she performs Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Consul.” The new production will be directed by Andreas Mitisek. The opera, which is rarely staged, has been hailed by the New York Times as “an opera of eloquence, momentousness, and intensity of {…}

Dec 21, 2016

The Holy Night: Surveying Trends in Christmas Operas Throughout History

We all know the story. The manger. The three wise men. Herod’s murder of innocent children. And of course, the birth. Jesus Christ’s origins are a well-documented story for many and the source of great inspiration for artists for centuries. Opera is no different with a plethora of works related to great story. A look back over the history of {…}

Dec 12, 2016

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Opera ‘Silent Night’ To Make West Coast Premiere at Opera San Jose in February

Back on Christmas Eve of December 1914, the battling armies of World War I created a temporary truce that allowed them to enjoy the holidays without fear of murdering one another. That evening a Christmas Miracle, if there ever was one, took place, a wondrous event that became the subject of many works including a 2005 film called “Joyeux Noel” {…}