Anna Bolena Reviews
ShowBizChicago- Highly Recommended
"...I strongly recommend that you take a trip to the Lyric to see masterful singing and witness the truly breathtaking performance of one of the great sopranos of the modern stage, Sondra Radvanovsky as Henry’s doomed Queen. She is riveting."
Stage and Cinema- Recommended
"...Mr. Newbury heightens the drama of the story in a number of interesting ways. Perhaps most unique is the aforementioned creation of a non-speaking role for the child Elizabeth, Anne’s daughter and future queen. Another brilliant touch is the central set piece comprising a four-poster bed on one side and two thrones on the other, neatly illustrating the connection between sex and power in Henry’s household."
ChicagoCritic- Highly Recommended
"...Sondra Radvanovsky and Jamie Barton each had their moments to soar while tenors John Irvin and Bryan Hymel also exhibited their skills. If you have not witnessed a bel canto opera – then this is the one to experience. You’ll leave the Civic Opera House with soaring voices singing marvelous melodies running through your head. That’s a wonderful experience! Kudos to the Lyric Opera of Chicago for bringing this seldom done opera to Chicago. It was worth the 29 year wait! I’m beginning to appreciate bel canto style as the ultimate operatic expression. And Anna Bolena set the bar quite high with that difficult style. Get to the Lyric and experience a world class production of Donizett’s Anna Bolena."
Chicago Stage and Screen- Highly Recommended
"...Anna Bolena is a rarely performed opera, a gem of the bel canto repertoire, so go see it if you have the chance. In the end Anna loses her head, but as things stand at the Lyric Opera, she resolutely wins the crown."
The Fourth Walsh- Recommended
"...Still, the King can't take away the spotlight from Radvanovsky. She is the vocal focal point. The duet, Dal mio cor punita io sono, with Jamie Barton (Jane) is especially powerfully delivered. A heartsick Barton conveys sincere regret. There is a beautiful epiphany moment where Radvanovsky and Barton bond in blaming the King. In that instant, we see both ladies as trapped victims in this male dominated world. Later, the appearance of Elizabeth, as an adorable young child, reinforces the Queen and mother's emotional stakes. The princess and future queen is dressed in fairy wings as she watches her mother march towards the gallows. The visual is both stunning and stirring."
NewCity Chicago- Somewhat Recommended
"...What could make matters more confusing? As the page Smeton, Kelley O’Connor is the total package. She looks and sounds like a young tenor, carries the house and acts with distinction. If only Lyric had gotten a set of principals who matched, maybe my head would have stopped spinning."