A Coffin in Egypt presented by Chicago Opera Theater at Harris Theater

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...The source material for this 80-minute opera is Horton Foote's great play A Coffin in Egypt, a near monologue that consists entirely and compellingly of the reminiscences of a 90-year-old woman in Egypt, Texas. Composer Ricky Ian Gordon (whose Orpheus & Euridice, produced in a swimming pool, was a recent success) and librettist Leonard Foglia (who directed a major production of the Foote play) wrote it with veteran mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade in mind."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...It’s quite a mixture of talent that makes this opera unique: the stunning set, von Stade’s flawless voice and charm, Horton’s original story, music by Gordon, all under the direction of librettist Leonard Foglia and conductor Emanuele Andrizzi. You feel like staying in this woman’s story when it’s over; those repetitive notes linger long after you’re gone."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...Still, von Stade’s performance may very well carry it for you. It certainly did for the elderly patrons who were at my performance. Von Stade’s regal entrance during the curtain calls seemed to pull the audience up to their feet. While there’s nothing that really jumps up and grabs me in “A Coffin in Egypt,” it certainly does its job well for an opera written to showcase one voice. It’s a simple opera about a simpler time. And maybe that’s all we need, sometimes. Simplicity. Of course, then, whether or not you want simplicity, I leave up to you."