The Merry Widow at Lyric Opera

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...The confection that opened a long run for the pre-holiday crowd Saturday night at the Civic Opera House was beautiful to look at and often fell beguilingly on the ear, but the traditional, dance-filled production by the Tony Award-winning Broadway director-choreographer Susan Stroman had to overcome a hesitant start before really clicking in the second and third acts."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...There are problems with this very traditional production, directed by Broadway's Susan Stroman, that go beyond those horrific circumstances: most notably, a new English translation that dumbs down the already fluffy story, and some wooden acting, even from debonair leading man Thomas Hampson. But Renee Fleming, as the widow, looks and sounds lovely, and Franz Lehar's melodic score is delicious, if bittersweet. Like Paris now, it's best taken with a liberal dose of alcohol. Nicole Cabell will replace Fleming in the last three performances."

ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended

"...At the opening night of the Lyric’s dazzling new production of The Merry Widow they began the evening by playing the Marseilles and everyone rose to their feet in a 2 minute ovation to show our support for the unspeakable and inhuman acts that took place in Paris on November 13, 2015. The General Director stated that the action of Merry Widow was set in Belle Époque Paris of a bygone era which made me realize that the world we know and loved is also of a bygone era. I was able to escape into this beautiful world of the piece created by Director Susan Stroman and Set Designer Julian Crouch."

Chicago On the Aisle - Recommended

"...The show looks great throughout, a splendorous combination of Julian Crouch's posh sets and William Ivey Long's gorgeous costumes - which top out with the grisettes' brilliant, frilly can-can skirts at Maxim's."

Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended

"...Endearingly entertaining and extravagantly fun, The Merry Widow packs plenty of variety into its three short acts. There is spoken dialogue and stately waltzes, folk dancing and sword fights, tender arias and infectious laughter. This is how operettas are meant to be staged. Thank you Lyric Opera!"

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...In this lush production, Renee Fleming's charm and sweetness shines and Thomas Hampson's charisma is winning. Michael Spyres' roaring vocals were impressive. This Merry Widow will fully engage you with its romantic charm and lush score. Come see this operetta and discover or re-discover my its so popular."

Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended

"...Stroman's choreography is elegant at the embassy dance, folksy, in Hanna's mansion gardens, and sexy at Maxim's. She ensures that the broad comedy isn't too broad and the assorted intrigues are kept clear, thanks in part to the invaluable projections of the lyrics and dialogue above the stage. This version is presented in English (Lehar wrote the show in German) but I, for one, was grateful for the subtitle assistance."