Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...In its second of five planned spring productions of classic musicals by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the Lyric Opera of Chicago finds a sweet Alpine spot with director Marc Bruni's admirably lively new production of "The Sound of Music," a lavish yet accessible and family-oriented affair that features the kind of gorgeous picture-book design from Michael Yeargan that would delight the Austrian Tourist Office. There's an orchestra of 37 players under the baton of Rob Fisher, more singing nuns than anyone has the right to expect in this economy, a steep mountainside down which Maria can gambol (warbling all the way) and the Family von Trapp can make its escape, and an intermittently insouciant and wholly lovable Maria from the oft-underrated Broadway veteran Jenn Gambatese, an experienced but vulnerable performer in her vocal prime."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Lavish this production of one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's most beloved Broadway musicals most certainly is, with a chorus of nuns with operatic voices that easily fill the grand Alpine abbey where the high-spirited Maria (Jenn Gambatese) begins to realize she is not really cut out for a convent life. An orchestra of 37 musicians (conducted by Rob Fisher) lifts their sound even further. And Michael Yeargan's sets beautifully capture everything from the stained glass windows of a massive cathedral to the monied grandeur of an Austrian villa embraced by the mountains."
Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended
"...Above all, there is The Sound of Music‘s glorious and unforgettable score. Even those of us who consider ourselves familiar with the piece tend to forget what a large volume of wonderful tunes reside within this show. In addition to the eponymous theme and other hummable classics like “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things,” we are reacquainted with the youthful bravado of “I Have Confidence,” the cleverness of “So Long, Farewell” and the torchy overtones of “Something Good,” among many others as memorable. The musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra really get a chance to show off their chops during the charming “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and again during the expansive Viennese waltzes that form the backdrop for the party scene at the Von Trapp estate. Their subtle and evocative playing adds the final dimension to a funny, moving and ultimately glorious show."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Billy Zane's Captain von Trapp comports himself with dignity, but also a touch of hesitancy; we don't see much of a journey from strict and stolid to softened by Maria, and there's not enough stirring behind his "Edelweiss" at the play's crucial moment. But one might not find so much to quibble with if Zane weren't surrounded by remarkable talent, including the altogether outstanding collection of young actors melting hearts as his children. Keep an eye on which mountains these kids climb."
ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended
"...Lyric Opera continues to prove that melding musical theatre with grand opera only adds to the truth of a piece. This has never been more true of The Sound of Music which was in desperate need of a quality revival. Who knew that the Lyric would do more than just revive the musical but give it the definitive production that the stage show has always deserved."
Chicago On the Aisle - Highly Recommended
"...Director Marc Bruni and conductor Rob Fisher, playing to a crowd of all ages, have salted this Rodgers and Hammerstein fairy-tale romance based on historical fact with sly wit and solid musical values. The nuns' choruses, led by dramatic soprano Christine Brewer as the Mother Abbess, resounded as in a cathedral. The orchestra had lushness only strings can give. Scene shifts were presto change-o and flowed as smoothly as the seven von Trapp children on their sized-right shiny green bikes."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The Lyric Opera's memorable production of The Sound of Music respects the material as it uses its vast resources to honor great Broadway musicals. Kudos to the Lyric opera of Chicago for expanding into this repertoire. Take your family to see this production of The Sound of Music because they'll see a fabulous large scale production that will not likely be done again. don't miss this wonderful production!"
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...Lyric Opera of Chicago teamed up a tremendous cast for this production to provide a powerful show by combining proven Broadway and Hollywood stars like Billy Zane, Jenn Gambatese and Edward Hibbert with proven Opera icons like Christine Brewer and Elizabeth Futral. This combination allowed Director Marc Bruni to take full advantage of both the dramatic book and spectacular songs within the show. Marc Bruni utilizes all of his individual strengths around him to put together a complete package and a once in a lifetime show."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Stunningly directed by Marc Bruni on a divine set by Michael Yeargan that is about as impressive as one will ever see- imagine mountains on a stage- they are there! There are mansions as well and a veranda where i would love to host a barbecue ( if we ever get a summer day to do so). This is a vision to behold and for an audience, true theatrical eye-candy. YUM is the word. Alejo Vietti’s costumes, Mark Grey’s Sound, Duane Schuller’s lighting and Denis Jones’ Choreography add to the perfection that this production presents to the audience."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Marc Bruni has warmly directed this production and infused it with spectacle and wonder. An excellent first musical experience for young audiences, his production will impress patrons with its abundance of musical and acting talent, the majesty in its size and scope and a real feeling of family and hope. Audiences should climb every mountain standing in their way to see this production of a true American classic of the musical stage. There will never be another like it."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"..."The Sound of Music" has been criticized for its sentimentality, which the Lyric production does nothing to minimize. Yes, the musical has its sentimental side, but Bruni keeps it carefully within bounds, especially in his refusal the milk the von Trapp children for cutesy laughs. It's a show that need make no excuses for its warmth, abetted by a terrific score and at times a wry sense of humor. All those merits are served up in an uncondescending, highly entertaining staging that draws on the strengths of both the opera and Broadway musical worlds."