Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...Unfortunately, this otherwise traditional production, originally directed by Sir David McVicar and last seen at Lyric four years ago, moves the action up to the 19th century, losing the height-of-the-Inquisition context, when burning at the stake was a common public ritual. But Verdi's greatest-hits score (including the familiar and famously bare-chested "Anvil Chorus")—which has been enough to keep this warhorse on the stages of major opera companies ever since its debut in 1853—prevails. Among the mostly young cast successfully navigating demanding vocal roles, tenor Russell Thomas as the gypsy's supposed son, Manrico, is a standout. Soprano Tamara Wilson is the ingenue Leonora; mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton is Azucena. Bass Roberto Tagliavini, as a soldier whose storytelling launches it all, makes an impressive Lyric debut."
Chicago On the Aisle - Recommended
"...Vocally sound and musically thoughtful young talents filled out the cast. Chicago-based soprano Katherine Weber is an emerging artist who adds the title role of Iolanta to leading roles such as Violetta and Rosalinda on the regional circuit. She was believable and endearing as she awakened to her predicament, and to love. Baritone Christopher Magiera was hilarious as Robert, Iolanta’s intended, who arrives profoundly distracted by the high state of sexual bliss he has been enjoying with Matilde, a name he keeps repeating as his tessitura rises."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...In sum, this is an excellent revival of an earlier production and it boasts a far superior cast of new and familiar faces. And Verdi’s memorable and stirring score makes it one of the composer’s best and beloved efforts. Stay tuned for his similarly-named La Traviata in February, but first Jules Massenet’s take on the classic Cinderella story."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Giuseppe Verdi’s most dramatic music sure could sell atmosphere. That’s on full diabolical display in the production of Il Trovatore originally directed by Sir David McVicar, now back at the Lyric. With all new leads in the cast and Marco Armiliato conducting, the fast-paced, passionate music matches the Goya Dark Paintings-inspired design to create a world that shows the best of nineteenth century melodrama. The tale of persecution is sinister, it’s exciting, and it’s a bit ridiculous, but the singing actors sell every minute."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"..."Il Trovatore" is the middle piece in Verdi's great trilogy bookended by "Rigoletto," seen last season, and "La Traviata", coming early in 2019. "Rigoletto" is the better opera book-wise, and it was sung magnificently, but the vocal strengths of "Il Trovatore" deserve an honorable place at the table. If "La Traviata" matches its two predecessors in musical excellence, then local opera lovers can consider themselves truly blessed. Singingwise, it doesn't get any better than this!"
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...So, is it worth it? Yes, without hesitation. COT’s Iolanta is a vital production — it speaks to an ageless struggle between youth and their guardians; it’s a blissful romance for the coming cold season; and to be given such care for its Chicago coming-out. And, for anyone who has had recent doubts about the vitality of opera, it’s a pure tonic."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended
"...This production is an opportunity to hear Soprano Tamara Wilson, making her Lyric debut as Leonora . Wilson lets the audience know right away that she was well chosen as the doomed heroine with her “Tacea la note placida, a beautiful cavatina with its high c, and the passionate “Di tale amor che dirsi” aria made even more impressive by its trills."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...Seamlessly weaving the audience into the change of place, the movement of the set enabled all to be transported from a barracks to a gypsy camp, to a convent and then to a prison. The motion also took place in characterization. The choice of a multiracial cast, especially for the Brothers di Luna, is quite effective."
