A Midsummer Night's Dream at Lyric Opera

Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended

"...The gossamer thread that winds its way among the characters and plot twists of “Dream” is Britten’s otherworldly fairy chorus, portrayed in this Lyric production by Anima-Young Singers of Greater Chicago.  The professional artistry of these very young performers is astounding.  Their ethereal voices wrap the audience in a shimmering cocoon of sound, seamlessly blending one scene into the next with magical ease.  In the final scene, rustics and lovers awaken from a languorous dream-filled slumber to be joined at the wedding celebration of Theseus and Hippolyta.  A final fairy chorus shimmers and disappears with the waning moon as Puck takes his final leave, each lovely word falling like a petal to the empty stage. And we awaken from Benjamin Britten’s dream, enthralled."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...AMND is an acquired taste strong on atmosphere and humor with workable performances and voices that stretch Britten’s chamber work into a pleasant night at the opera. My guest, seeing his first opera, was enchanted and impressed with the work. Happily, we have another young opera fan."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...The design of this production was great.  Set and costume designer Dale Ferguson, along with wigmaster and makeup designer Richard Jarvie, did an incredible job bringing this enchanted forest to life.  Rory McDonald makes his Lyric Opera debut as the orchestra conductor, with Neil Armfield returning as director.  You might know Armfield from directing “Sweeny Todd” in the 2002-03 season at the Lyric Opera."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"...Between being enchanted by fairies and amused by the actors, the mortals place third in the race for attention. In the non-opera version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the love-cluster of Lysander, Hermia, Demetrius and Helena is center stage. For Britten, it’s more of a side to the entrée. His main course is a hearty helping of elfin magic with save-room-the-actors-brought dessert. The real sustenance is the fantasy melodies sung memorably by Daniels and the youthful chorus. These ample portions overpower the familiar sides of girl-chases-boy-chasing- girl-with-other-boy harmonies. Then, it’s time to indulge in the absurd treat that is so enjoyable because it’s way overdone. Dessert: it’s all that with extra nuts. Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a visual imagined magical kingdom frolicked with actors looking for work and mortals looking for love. Sweet dreams are made of these, who am I to disagree?"