Freedom Ride at The Studebaker Theater

Chicago On the Aisle - Recommended

"...On the one hand, Dan Shore’s opera “Freedom Ride,” now in its world premiere run by Chicago Opera Theater, feels like a simplistic gloss on a turbulent and violent time that is more talked about than evoked. On the other hand, the work’s uncomplicated directness possesses its own fetching appeal, and it echoes through Shore’s gospel-inspired music, front to finish."

WTTW - Highly Recommended

"...Tazewell Thompson, the widely acclaimed director and dramatist, has deployed his uniformly excellent cast with the same impressive clarity, concision and realism Shore has brought to his (fictional but truth-based) libretto and rousing score, with minimalist but effective sets by Donald Eastman, lighting by Robert Wierzel, projections by Rasean Davonte Johnson, and mostly black and white costumes by Harry Nadal."

Picture This Post - Highly Recommended

"...Chicago Opera Theater’s Freedom Ride –on so many levels— has the feeling of history. We learned from the opening announcement there were Freedom Riders among us in the audience. How fortunate for all of us to be reminded of their work in these times when profiles in cowardice rule our days. For anyone who has logged a moment or more in one or another struggle for social justice, Freedom Ride is a poignant reminder of what brought you to the dance."