Le Comte Ory at Lyric Opera

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...You get to hear, of course, some of the most famous recitatives ever penned by Pesaro's favorite son. And the Lyric's conductor, Enrique Mazzola, clearly enjoys playing up the contrast between the self-evident quirkiness of the music with the striking intense melodies and harmonics that often touch the emotions as they emerge among all the fake hermits, nuns and pilgrims."

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...There is nothing heavy-duty about Gioachino Rossini's "Le Comte Ory (Count Ory)," which runs for four more performances through Nov. 26. It's a frothy, laugh-filled romp by one of opera's greatest comedians."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...In case you're afraid that a light story means simplistic music, that isn't the case. Conductor Mazzola is in his element and everything sounds distinctly Rossini, though the flow of French lyrics instead of Rossini's usual Italian give the show a distinct twist. It's also a recurring joke that Rossini allows certain numbers to go on a bit long, although that doesn't cause stagnation onstage; the device of a show-within-a-show means there's always something interesting happening and these directors are good at crowd management."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...Rossini's Le Comte Ory is my second French-language opera within a week. Verdi's Don Carlos is also at the Lyric. Le Comte Ory is considerably more lighthearted and is in the bel canto style that requires Herculean singing skills and comic touch. This presentation was a delightful change and showcased the talent of tenor Lawrence Brownlee as the libidinous Count Ory. Coloratura soprano Kathryn Lewek as the Countess Adele is nothing less than astonishing. This production is directed by Kathleen Smith Belcher, who also led the 2021 version of The Magic Flute. As with Mozart's whimsical opera, Smith Belcher has a keen gift for comedic and quirky touches that levels up the production. The Lyric orchestra is conducted by Music Director Enrique Mazzola with his usual verve and brilliance."

Picture This Post - Highly Recommended

"...This is one heckuva fun opera, with merriment sized appropriately for the opera hall! As soon as Adêle’s brother rides off to the Crusades, Le Comte Ory’s rake antics begin. What better way to get the maidens and wives wallowing without their husbands-off-to-the-Crusades than to dress as a Holy Man doling out licentious wisdom to the lonely."

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...Rush out immediately and secure your tickets for the Lyric’s production of Rossini’s Le Comte Ory, playing from now to November 26th. This is a production that is firing on all cylinders with pyrotechnic singing, and a charming book and score that supports the comedy at every turn. You will leave completely impressed by the cast and production."

BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended

"...Such a wonderful comedic opera is Le Comte Ory by Gioachino Rossini at Chicago's Lyric Opera. It's a lusty, bawdy and extremely enjoyable opera. How many operas have you attended where there is menage a trois on the stage? Since this is a comedy, no one dies."