Madama Butterfly at Lyric Opera

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...Conductor Marco Armiliato adroitly supported the singers and drew maximum dramatic impact from the action onstage, while vibrantly bringing to life Puccini's evocative score, tinged with Asian modes and American patriotic songs."

Chicago Stage Review - Recommended

"...After a visually deadening second act, Ms. Echalaz's emotionally charged final scene was a particularly welcome finale. This is where the stark background would have been particularly effective, had it been withheld until the final scene. As the young woman's life and love are stripped from her, she chooses her own destiny with her father's sword, engraved with the words "To die with honor when one can no longer live with honor"."

Chicago On the Aisle - Somewhat Recommended

"...But that augury went unfulfilled on opening night (Oct. 15), in this first Chicago presentation of a new “Butterfly” production conceived by director Michael Grandage and designed by Christopher Oram in a joint Lyric commission with the Houston Grand Opera and the Grand Théâtre de Genève. What played out was largely unremarkable, even unattractive in various aspects from conducting and singing to basic on-stage movement. "

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...This most romantic, emotionally wrenching and ultimately tragic love story features a most memorable character marvelously sung and fully realized by Amanda Echalaz. Marco Armiliatos' orchestra plays Puccini score with enchanting verve. "Madama Butterfly" is wonderful show to expose young folks to the grandeur of world-class opera. I was totally engrossed throughout. Each time I see Butterfly it works its magic on me-it is so enticing!"