Lyric Opera of Chicago's THE SECOND CITY GUIDE TO THE OPERA to Return in June

On January 5, Patrick Stewart and Renée Fleming displayed their comedic sides as co-hosts of Lyric Opera of Chicago's The Second City Guide to the Operaat the Civic Opera House in Chicago. The stage, film and television actor joined the star soprano, members of the Windy City's legendary comedy troupe The Second City, and Lyric Opera of Chicago singers and musicians for a hugely successful and very funny opera-themed comedy-variety show, where they entertained a sold-out audience of more than 3,700 people.

While it was initially conceived as a one-off event, Lyric has announced that, indeed, the collaboration between the company and The Second City will continue with a June run of shows at the Civic Opera House, this time with audience members seated on stage.

"In addition to improvisation, the show will include completely new scenes as well as a reprise of some of the best scenes created for the inaugural performance of The Second City Guide to the Opera," said Kelly Leonard, executive vice president of The Second City. "Audiences will be treated to cabaret-style seating on the legendary stage of the Civic Opera House, with libations and table service available throughout the performance."

The stage is said to accommodate 300 audience members.

The June run of The Second City Guide to the Opera will feature two opera singers from Lyric's Ryan Opera Center and ensemble members of The Second City. Casting, dates, and performance times will be announced at a later date. Web sales open January 23 at www.lyricopera.org and phone sales will begin in April.