Denyce Graves News

Lyric Opera of Chicago is proud to present the all-new exhibition “Creating Carousel” at the Civic Opera House. It opens on today, April 10, coinciding with the preview matinee performance of Lyric's new production of Carousel. The exhibition, on the lower level of the Civic Opera House, will be open for all performances of Carousel through May 3. It is free to performance ticketholders.

Lyric Opera of Chicago is proud to present the all-new exhibition 'Creating Carousel' at the Civic Opera House. It opens on Friday, April 10, coinciding with the preview matinee performance of Lyric's new production of Carousel. The exhibition, on the lower level of the Civic Opera House, will be open for all performances of Carousel through May 3. It is free to performance ticketholders.

On Friday, May 15 at 8:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall presents celebrated mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe in recital with pianist Warren Jones in a program of popular songs by Poulenc, Ferré, Brel, Britten, and Coward. One of the most respected and versatile artists of her generation, Ms. Blythe recently starred as Gertrude Stein in the world premiere production of Ricky Ian Gordon's Twenty-Seven, an opera commissioned for her by the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. In 2013, Innova Records released Ms. Blythe's first crossover album As Long as There are Songs, featuring selections from the Great American Songbook arranged together with pianist Craig Terry. Together Ms. Blythe and Mr. Jones have performed recitals in major concert halls across the United States.

When doing an interview with an artist I am in awe of their love and dedication for their craft. This month I had the pleasure to meet American mezzo-soprano Briana Hunter and our conversation went from traditional interview to old friends talking about their love for the classics. Our mutual love for Bizet's masterpiece CARMEN and love for Audra McDonald made this interview go very quickly.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Musicals in unlikely places! 'Carousel' and mariachi opera at Lyric, 'Louis And Keely' at the Royal George, plus one-off shows at the Northlight, Chopin and Court Theatres and Mary's Attic. Coming in 2016: Lifeline, Writers and the Goodman produce 'Northangar Abbey,' 'Company' and 'Wonderful Town!'

The Art Song Preservation Society (ASPS) will present French Mezzo-Soprano, Virginie Verrez in recital with accomplished piano collaborator, Thomas Muraco. Ms. Verrez, the first place winner of the 2014 Mary Trueman Vocal Art Song Competition sponsored by the Art Song Preservation Society, will present works by Brahms, Monteverdi, Poulenc, Duparc, Canteloube among others.

The Art Song Preservation Society (ASPS) will present French Mezzo-Soprano, Virginie Verrez in recital with accomplished piano collaborator, Thomas Muraco. Ms. Verrez, the first place winner of the 2014 Mary Trueman Vocal Art Song Competition sponsored by the Art Song Preservation Society, will present works by Brahms, Monteverdi, Poulenc, Duparc, Canteloube among others. The recital is on March 21 at 2pm at the National Opera Center (330 7th Avenue) in New York City. Tickets are $25 at the door. You can purchase tickets by visiting the Art Song Preservation Society website at www.artsongpreservationsocietyny.org

The Art Song Preservation Society (ASPS) will present French Mezzo-Soprano, Virginie Verrez in recital with accomplished piano collaborator, Thomas Muraco. Ms. Verrez, the first place winner of the 2014 Mary Trueman Vocal Art Song Competition sponsored by the Art Song Preservation Society, will present works by Brahms, Monteverdi, Poulenc, Duparc, Canteloube among others.

Lyric Opera of Chicago will soon present Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel, starring Steven Pasquale as carousel barker Billy Bigelow, Laura Osnes as his true love, millworker Julie Jordan, Jenn Gambatese as Carrie Pipperidge, Denyce Graves as Nettie Fowler, Matthew Hydzik as Enoch Snow, Tony Award winner Jarrod Emick as Jigger Craigin, two-time Tony Award nominee Charlotte d'Amboise as Mrs. Mullin, and two-time Tony Award nominee Tony Roberts as the Starkeeper. Carousel will run April 10 to May 3 at the Civic Opera House (opening night April 11). Below, check out photos of Osnes and Pasquale, as featured on Lyric Opera Theatre of Chicago's Facebook page, as they pose in character!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Carousel,' 'The King And I' and 'The Merry Widow' at Lyric Opera, and the upcoming season at Porchlight. Plus 'Merman' transfers, 'Mormon' arrives, 'First Wives Club' and 'Gotta Dance' try out, the 'Pride And Prejudice' reading moves, Quest Theatre mounts two, Pasek and Paul's 'Peach,' Bailiwick's 'Wonderful Town,' the Mosh Pit in the Tribune and more honors for Jessie Mueller! Whew!

Lyric Opera of Chicago announced casting for the remaining principal roles in its new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel. Matthew Hydzik will portray Enoch Snow alongside Tony Award winner Jarrod Emick as Jigger Craigin, two-time Tony Award nominee Charlotte d'Amboise as Mrs. Mullin, and two-time Tony Award nominee Tony Roberts as the Starkeeper. Carousel will run April 10 to May 3 at the Civic Opera House (opening night April 11).

Serrano NY, LLC is thrilled to present the World Premiere of SERRANO THE MUSICAL, book and lyrics by Madeline Sunshine, music by Robert Tepper, musical direction by Jeff Rizzo (Sunset Blvd. The Wizard of Oz), choreography by Peggy Hickey (A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder) and directed by Tony nominee Joel Zwick (Dance With Me, 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'). SERRANO THE MUSICAL will begin previews on Thursday, January 8, 2015 and will open tonight, January 16 at 8pm and run through Sunday, March 29 at the Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood.

Lyric Opera of Chicago announced today that Jenn Gambatese will portray Carrie Pipperidge in Lyric's new production of Carousel, on stage April 10 through May 3, 2015 (opening night April 11). Gambatese returns to Lyric following her critically acclaimed performance as Maria in last year's production of The Sound of Music, which just won 2014's Best Special Theatrical Event at the Broadway World Chicago Awards. 'The sweetly appealing Gambatese makes a light and lovely Maria, full of practicality and pluck.' (Time Out Chicago)

Serrano NY, LLC is thrilled to present the World Premiere of SERRANO THE MUSICAL, book and lyrics by Madeline Sunshine, music by Robert Tepper, musical direction by Jeff Rizzo (Sunset Blvd. The Wizard of Oz), choreography by Tony nominee Peggy Hickey (A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder) and directed by Tony nominee Joel Zwick (Dance With Me, 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding').

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Into The Woods' finally opens tomorrow! Plus Porchlight's Sondheim season continues, TMTC's 'Allegro' at Ravinia, Laura Osnes is coming to town, 'Galavant' and the BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards arrive in early January, followed by 'Tommy' in Aurora, 'First Date' at the Royal George, 'The Full Monty' at Theater Wit and more!

Lyric Opera of Chicago announced today that Laura Osnes will star as Julie Jordan in Lyric's new production of Carousel, on stage April 11 through May 3, 2015. Osnes comes to Lyric following her Tony-nominated role in Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella on Broadway. She joins Steven Pasquale, who stars as Billy Bigelow, in this new production directed and choreographed by legendary Tony, Emmy, and Olivier Award winner Rob Ashford.

Serrano NY, LLC is thrilled to present the World Premiere of SERRANO THE MUSICAL, book and lyrics by Madeline Sunshine, music by Robert Tepper, musical direction by Jeff Rizzo (Sunset Blvd. The Wizard of Oz), choreography by Tony nominee Peggy Hickey (A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder) and directed by Tony nominee Joel Zwick (Dance With Me, 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding').

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The 2014 BroadwayWorld Chicago Award nominations are announced, Lyric presents 'Porgy' and 'Carousel,' 'Camelot' opens, 'Ring Of Fire' and 'Annie' return, 'Annie' and 'Ani' hit screens, parodies of 'Guffman,' the Merman/Mormon thing, Rudolph and Tupperware, and a suburban 'Garden!'

Lyric Opera of Chicago announced today that Steven Pasquale will star in the iconic role of carousel barker Billy Bigelow in Lyric's new production ofCarousel, on stage April 11 through May 3, 2015. Following his critically acclaimed performance on Broadway in The Bridges of Madison County, Pasquale will bring his “glorious voice” (VARIETY) to some of the most beloved songs in musical theater history in a new production directed and choreographed by legendary Tony, Emmy, and Olivier Award winner Rob Ashford.