My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Lyric Opera of Chicago Reverses Decision to Remove Intermissions From Upcoming Season

The initial change was in response to the pandemic, but subscribers fought back, expressing their concerns about their personal comfort at the venue.

By:
Lyric Opera of Chicago Reverses Decision to Remove Intermissions From Upcoming Season Image

The Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced that it has reversed its earlier decision to cut the running time of its fall season of operas and remove intermissions, The Chicago Tribune reports.

The initial change was in response to the pandemic, but subscribers fought back, expressing their concerns about their personal comfort at the venue.

"We had to make our initial decisions within a vacuum of information," said general director Anthony Freud. "At the time, this felt like a good way to help people feel ready to return to the opera house. But the new guidance from the authorities means the changes are no longer necessary."

All of the operas now will be performed to their original length, Freud said. The traditional breaks will be included.

The Lyric reopens for live performances on September 17.

Read more on The Chicago Tribune.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Lighting Design - Top 3
1. Jen Schriever, Michael Arden - The Lost Boys
35.1% of votes
2. Jack Knowles - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
9.6% of votes
3. Kevin Adams - Chess
7.5% of votes

Need more Chicago Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Videos


Windfall in Chicago Windfall
Steppenwolf Theatre Company (4/09-5/31)
South Pacific in Chicago South Pacific
Paramount Arts Centre (4/29-6/14)
CAMP BASS - House and Freestyle Gathering in Chicago CAMP BASS - House and Freestyle Gathering
BaseCamp Pub (6/20-6/20)
Little Shop of Horrors in Chicago Little Shop of Horrors
The Little Theatre On The Square (6/18-6/28)
Tartuffe, or, The Charlatan in Chicago Tartuffe, or, The Charlatan
The Conspirators (5/08-6/07)
Goldilocks and the Three Bears in Chicago Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Chicago Kids Company (4/08-8/31)
Beau and Aero in Chicago Beau and Aero
Theater Wit (6/03-6/07)
James and the Giant Peach in Chicago James and the Giant Peach
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts - North Theatre (4/22-5/14) PHOTOS
Greenroom Improv in Chicago Greenroom Improv
Raue Center For The Arts (5/23-5/23)
Good People  By David Lindsay-Abaire in Chicago Good People By David Lindsay-Abaire
4 Chairs Theatre (7/17-8/23) PHOTOS