Category: Lyric Opera House

Joffrey Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ remains a stunning holiday favorite

Dance, Entertainment, Joffrey Ballet, Lyric Opera House

By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

There’s no better way to usher in the holiday season than by attending a performance of “The Nutcracker.”

And The Joffrey Ballet’s rendition of the popular seasonal theatrical production is one of the best around. “The Nutcracker,” performed by the acclaimed Joffrey Ballet, continues to Dec. 28 at The Lyric Opera House in Chicago.

The stellar production, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, was choreographed by noted choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, and debuted in 2016. In his version, Wheeldon offers a creative spin on the classic ballet as he changed the setting of the story to Chicago at the time of The Colombian Exposition. 

Photo courtesy of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The story revolves around Marie, a young girl from a hard-working but poor immigrant family. While in a dream, Marie is taken on a whimsical journey with The Great Impresario of the fair as well as a Nutcracker who has come to life. On the journey, they travel to The World’s Fair where their adventures take them to the ethnic pavilions at the fair and all the exciting happenings there.

This production of “The Nutcracker” has always excelled and it continues to enchant audiences with strong dancing, colorful costumes, stunning sets and, of course, Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score.

Photo courtesy of the Joffrey Ballet

The Joffrey dancers are always a joy to watch. Among dancers offering dynamic performances in the show were Amanda Assucena as Marie; Gayeon Jung as the mother as well as The Sugar Plum Fairy; Stefan Goncalvez as The Great Impresario; and Valentino Moneglia as Buffalo Bill.

Secure a ticket for this great Chicago holiday tradition. You won’t be disappointed.

FYI: “The Nutcracker,” performed by The Joffrey Ballet, continues to Dec. 28 at The Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago. Visit joffrey.org for more information.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.

Top photo courtesy of the Joffrey Ballet.

 Explosive ‘Medea’ remains a hit at Lyric Opera

Lyric Opera House, Theater

By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

Something is brewing on the Chicago theater scene.

 Cherubini’s “Medea” continues to heat up the stage through Oct. 26 at  Lyric Opera House in Chicago.

“Medea” revolves around the story of Medea, a sorceress, and  her husband Jason. The production is a tale of evil, murder and revenge. This compelling opera opens the Lyric’s 71st season and it’s the first time Chicago’s Lyric Opera has presented the work.

Starring as Medea is Sondra Radvanovsky, who is a  powerhouse vocalist. Radvanovsky helps make this production soar with her stellar vocals and theatrical talents. Also giving excellent performances are Matthew Polenzani as Giasone, Zoie Reams as Neris, Elena Villalon as Glauce and Alfred Walker as King Creonte.

Sir David McVicar is the director of this fabulous production of “Medea.” The acclaimed music director Enrique Mazzola leads the Lyric Opera Orchestra as they present the soaring Cherubini score.

The sets, costumes and theatrics are definitely all something to marvel at in this show. “Medea” surely captures an audience’s attention and keeps it during the two-hour plus show.

“Medea” is co-produced by Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, Greek National Opera  and Canadian Opera Company.

FYI: Medea” continues to Oct. 26 at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Visit lyricopera.org.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.

Joffrey Ballet’s ‘Alice’ a whimsical whirlwind of beautiful music and dance

Lyric Opera House, Theater, Uncategorized

By guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

The Joffrey Ballet has another winner on its hands. The esteemed ballet company is presenting “Alice’s Advenures in Wonderland” at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago. The production continues to June 22.

“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” based on Lewis Carroll’s famous tale, is expertly choreographed by the talented Christopher Wheeldon. Wheeldon is also the choreographer of The Joffrey Ballet’s popular “The Nutcracker.”

The troupe is at the top of its game, as it always is, with this production. The dance moves are exceptional, the costumes and sets are colorful and the use of puppetry and other theatrical props are fantastic.

While the Joffrey members are lauded dancers they are also talented in the acting department.

Among dancers in key roles in the production are Amanda Assucena as Alice; Stefan Goncalvez as White Rabbit; Victoria Jaiani as Mother/Queen of Hearts; Edson Barbosa as Magician/Mad Hatter; Dylan Gutierrez as the Duchess and Alberto Velazquez as Jack/Knave of Hearts. The score of “Alice” is also noteworthy for its blend of beautiful and innovative sounds.

It would be nice if The Joffrey would bring this stellar piece back again soon.

FYI: THE Joffrey Ballet presents “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago through June 22. Visit joffrey.org.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.

Joffrey Ballet presents outstanding new works in ‘Golden Hour’

Dance, Lyric Opera House, Theater

By Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez.

Through the years’ The Joffrey Ballet has always offered dance fans works to enjoy, themes to think about and simply beautiful execution to marvel at.

Such is the case with the troupe’s newest program, “Golden Hour.”

Wed, Feb 19, 2025 © Cheryl Mann 2025

“Golden Hour,” which continues to March 2, is being presented at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The program “Golden Hour” offers an engaging mixed repertoire blending works that stand out for their blend of beautiful choreography, dramatic movement and plenty of humor at times.

The dancers in the company prove skilled artists in whatever work they tackle.

In “Golden Hour,” the Joffrey shines in four works. Among the highlighted presentations is “Under The Trees Voices” with choreography by Nicolas Blanc. The piece, which features skilled and modern choreography, was created in memory of Blanc’s grandfather.

Showing the whimsical side of the Joffrey is the “Princess and the Pea,” starring choreography by Dani Rowe. It’s quite a humorous take on the fairy tale that showcases the company’s dancers’ sharp acting talents.

Wed, Feb 19, 2025 © Cheryl Mann 2025

Also on the program are the outstanding “Andante” starring choreography by Yuri Possokhov and “Heimat” featuring choreography by Cathy Marston.

“Golden Hour” is definitely not to be missed.

FYI: “Golden Hour” continues to March 2 at Lyric Opera House, 20 W. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Tickets start at $36. Visit joffrey.org.

Cutline for cover photo: Dylan Gutierrez and Jeraldine Mendoza are pictured in “Under The Trees Voices.” Photo by Cheryl Mann