The Factotum presented by Lyric Opera at Harris Theater

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"...The title of "The Factotum" is a riff on Rossini's "Largo al factotum," an aria sung on Figaro's first entrance: I'd think about changing it, frankly, as that source is very much a celebration of Figaro's individual star-power. Liverman actually has composed, and done so beautifully, an opera about the history, the struggles and the loving determination of an entire community."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"..."Factotum" is set on Chicago's South Side in a barbershop, an institution at the heart of Black life and culture, as an art installation in the lobby makes clear. And it is filled with references not typically heard on an operatic stage, like a debate between two shop denizens over who is the best NBA player of all time: Michael Jordan or LeBron James."

Chicago On the Aisle - Highly Recommended

"...A contemporary musical saga with a huge heart, "Factotum" is the inspiration of a cutting-edge dream team - co-creators Will Liverman and DJ King Rico with director Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj. For this world premiere, they doff their caps to a heritage of "Barbershop" films as they set their story in the vibrant milieu of Chicago's South Side. But this "Factotum" owes just as much to the comic operas of Mozart and Rossini, whose "Marriage of Figaro" and "Barber of Seville" are spiritual ancestors."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...There’s a new factotum in opera, and he’s not one who serves a count. From the musical collaboration of Will Liverman and DJ King Rico with a book and directing by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj comes a world premiere by the Lyric Opera featuring a barber who is the pillar of an entire neighborhood. Set on the southside of Chicago, The Factotum is part modern-day verismo, part protest, and, in the words of its creators, expands the definition of what opera can be. It’s also sweet and incredibly funny. The Factotum is the story of two brothers with very different outlooks on life who are basically co-parenting their orphaned niece, but it’s also a cross-section of a whole world that exists within a space of just a few blocks."

WTTW - Recommended

"...The true magic of this opera is rooted in its seamless interweaving of countless musical styles that take operatic voices into the realm of funk, rap, hip-hop, gospel, R&B, barbershop quartet and even electronic (with King Rico perched atop a platform on a side of the stage operating his CDJ/laptop)."

Third Coast Review - Recommended

"...“This is a barbershop! The place where a Black man means something! Cornerstone of the neighborhood! Our own country club!” Eddie adds, Greek chorus-style. This ethos also permeates the world premiere “hip-hopera” The Factotum (a multi-talented person having diverse activities and responsibilities), presented by the Lyric Opera of Chicago at the Harris Theater. The Factotum is loosely inspired by The Barber of Seville as well (perhaps with a nod to Porgy and Bess too)."

Splash Magazine - Not Recommended

"...And the boring music is such a shame because the creators were trying to do something really grand here and came so close to something truly wonderful. The Lyric is touting this as groundbreaking when it’s really just the same and as boring as every other modern opera."