The place is nice and clean. They sell drinks in multiple places. We sat in the mid back.... I couldn't hear everything. It's best to use valet parking it's cheaper and you don't have to walk. I think I paid 20 dollars not including the tip.
Jesus Christ superstar opened. Great play. Venue is a bit old but roll with the punches.
Beautiful theater. Saw Westside Story, which was considered their musical for the season, but technically quite operatic.
That was exciting. The opera house is beautiful and Don Giovanni was spectacular. Not for the weak of wallet though.. A special event for sure.
One of the top opera companies in thd USA. I would say it is about the same level as the San Francisco Opera. It is doing one of Wagner's Ring operas each year since 2016. It will do all four in 2020. Each season great operas are staged, many of them blockbusters. Recently there were issues between the player's union and the management, culminating in a recent strike. I am not sure if things are resolved for the long term. In the mean time I am thankful there is a good opera company in Chicago.
Fantastic leads, cast, and set for West Side Story.
It is a shame watching a great institution die a slow painful death. This is a marvelous venue for opera. Gorgeous facility superb acoustics but it is not attracting enough patrons esp the young. It is over priced the cheapest seats require opera glasses which those in the nosebleed seats can't afford. Additionally their are too many operas that are only for the most ardent of opera buffs. Have subscribed for something on order of 25 years and each year there is a significant chance we will skip more and more operas.
Saw Jesus Christ Superstar. An amazing production. We were in the balcony and had a bit of a hard time hearing, so they moved us down to the orchestra section at intermission, which really helped. An amazing venue!
A must experience at least once. Be prepared for long lines during intermission for drinks
I went here to see a production of West Side Story. Despite performing in a few musicals myself in high school I have seen only 3 broadway shows and 3 not on broadway. This production was fantastic and as an aspiring opera singer, seeing the hall was magic I hope I will be able to attend and opera in this beautiful house sometime in the not so distant future.
First time attending a performance at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and my experience was amazing.
I love going to the Lyric! The productions are always very high caliber, the staff are always friendly, and the building is beautifully historic. They cast great singers, always get great players in the orchestra, have great costume design, lighting, effects, sound, and more. If you are a degree-seeking college student, check out Lyric NEXT, it's a wonderful program. Highly recommend.
This is a must for anyone who loves music. If you haven't seen an opera, come give one of the easier ones a try. I always feel transported by the music, singing, story, costumes and staging. I'm often surprised to realize at the end that I'm sitting in my seat in Chicago; I was convinced I was somewhere else in time and space.
Great opera + Broadway musical every year! Wonderful music and incredible performers, provocative sets and costumes. GO!
First experience at an Opera House and it was fantastic. Perfectly done, Lyric
The theater is nice and the staff are extremely friendly and attentive to all needs. However, there are only a few restrooms available and all on the top or lower levels which require stairs. The stairs are very dangerous and we saw people fall.
Coming to the Lyric and enjoying its gorgeous architecture and their magnificent productions is always the highlight of my visits to Chicago. It is a place very dear and close to my heart.
It was an amazing experience for all the shows I have watched. The singers are beautiful and the stage is perfect. I even met the singers after their performance when they were outside. I love Opera after watching the performances they provide.
Beautiful, always worthwhile, I go here as frequently as possible, at least once a month.
Great operas, lively restaurants on site, every area of the Lyric has something attractive to see. Service is impeccable, bathroom attendants are noteworthy of intermission times and expedite well.
Great experience. Impressive performers. Lovely staff. Beautiful architecture!
Its the Lyric. Beautiful space/ architecture. Impeccable acoustics. Ive seen all from string quartets to hard prog/ jazz. Seats a bit old, but still more comfy than typical venue. Recommended.
An opulent Art Deco theater that is home to some of the best opera in the US. Great acoustics, even from the back row. I cannot wait for next year s Ring Cycle!
The scenery, acting and voices were good. My son was very happy to have the English titles. It was enjoyable.
Beautiful venue, amazing show (West Side Story). The seats could be more comfortable, given that theater-goers are in them for some time.
Fantastic Theatre, great acoustics. We were in the upper level so it wasn't the best view, but we could see pretty well and could hear everything. We saw West Side Story as a Mother's and Fathers day gift to my parents. Is was pretty great!
With student tickets my daughter got great discounts. I love this place
This is it: the reason I visited Chicago eight times a year for nearly a decade. Beautiful large opera house with truly grand-scale performances of magnificent operas. Tickets are available in all price ranges. Legroom isn't fantastic but it's certainly adequate for me, and I'm 6' tall. The free "introductory" talks, held an hour before the performances, are usually informative and entertaining, but it does mean you'll have to eat dinner even earlier for those evening performances!
Gorgeous building inside and out. The nosebleed seats truly are way up there, however.
Had an amazing time at this beautiful spot in Chicago.... I took my mother to see Jesus Christ Superstar it was her first time at the Opera house and she loved it she's lived in Chicago 30 years... This show was also amazing I'd see it again
Saw La Boheme last evening (3/18/13). The opera was as wonderful as any dream or fantasy could conjure. The talent of every character was/is superior. This new generation of artists embodies the beauty and perfection of yesteryear's great ones. The production value was unsurpassed. Though not an inexpensive endeavor-it was worth every cent.
Jesus Christ Super Star was a great play. Just amazing
Absolutely beautiful opera house with fantastic acoustics, extremely talented orchestra and performers. The production of West Side Story would make Bernstein proud!
Second visit to the Lyric Opera House and I loved it again. A beautiful and moving show, in a beautiful building, with a great staff, as always!
The Lyric is a beautiful classic performance space and excellent opera venue. They attract top talent from around the world, which is expected. The less expected is the creativity and visual spectacle the company mounts for each opera. Interesting set design and costing brings an extra dimension.(And for anyone concerned about understanding, there is simultaneous translation above the stage).
Incredible venue, great party, fabulous wine, service A+++
Beautiful historic building with wonderful mix of traditional operas and contemporary performances.
This is a really old building from the outside and inside. It has retained it's character from an era gone by and there are numerous repairs that are ongoing. The conference rooms are sparse and simple, I guess they serve their purpose.
The main hall exudes a rich sense of history and heritage and that is the way it should be. Velvet curtains, gold trims adorn various parts of the building. There are multiple entrances to the building so it can get a little confusing. Be sure to check beforehand or ask someone so that you don't spend precious time wandering around and getting frustrated.
I've always LOVED this venue. The only thing that I would change, is expanding the women's washrooms. There's always a 50+ person line at intermission, while the men don't have a line at ALL!!! P.s. IF you're a wine/ drink lover, I just found out that you can PRE-ORDER intermission drinks, BEFORE the show starts!!! Also, if you ever get a chance to do a back stage tour, DO IT!!! It's rather amazing!
Saw West Side Story with my daughter. 2nd balcony picture of our view.
Elegant venue. Wonderful atmosphere with friendly ushers and attentive service.
There's a BEAUTIFUL floor monitor who made my day. Thank you PATRICIA BELL
West Side Story was amazing. Tony's voice was fantastic. Had a wonderful musical experience!
If you see only one West Side Story restaging this year let this be the one!
Not only are the operas a grand to-do...but so is the historic opera house itself. Beauty surrounds all from ceiling and chandeliers to floor and red carpet. The choice of performances are a range, so there is always something for someone! I happen to be a Wagner fan and am never disappointed!
Little grace and no exceptions. My wife had bought tickets to the last showing of Turandot. It was a Christmas gift and I had been looking forward to attending a Lyric Opera performance for years. Having planned the evening out, we were to arrive 30 minutes early at the opera house. But through a series of unfortunate circumstances, our cab was 20 minutes late and then canceled, forcing us to reserve another. We did end up finding another and arrived at the doors at 7:32 pm only to be told that the show had already started and the next seating would be at intermission, 1 hour and 20 minutes later.
We asked if we could stand in the back to at least hear the production, and were told that was impossible. There was a television for latecomers to see the show in the lobby. Unfortunately for the approximately 50 people who arrived within that 5-minute window, there were not enough seats, the supertitles were not legible, and there was only one screen on which to view, making it impossible to follow the storyline without hindering someone else's view.
As a professional classical musician myself, I understand the appeal of starting on time, but I have never performed a concert where this has actually happened. The usual protocol is to start 5-minutes past the scheduled time to accommodate for those that arrive late. This is done to accommodate audience members having unforeseen circumstances and is usually filled with introductory material such as recognition of significant donors, informing audiences of future shows, etc..
I have heard that the show was fantastic, it is truly sad to me that great art comes at the cost of human decency and a basic lack of grace.
P.S. On further discussion with my wife, after the beginning of the production this evening, ushers were seen removing even more chairs for the latecomers, making it even more difficult for people to stay, observe the story, and enjoy the second half.
They never disappoint, always great productions. Had dinner before at the bistro.
The seats aren't very comfortable ; but it was good
Its gorgeous and its a world class opera company. Nothing compares.
A stunningly beautiful interior, and wonderful production quality. They're operas are beautiful.
We had our company holiday party here. There were no disappointments at all. The ballroom was set up exquisitely and we danced the night away.
Breathtaking performance. I haven't been in years, so it was extra special. There are many great opera houses, but Lyric will always be my favorite.
A quality professional opera company which never disappoints
Very pleasant experience except for rude person behind me bumping my seat.
Lyric Opera of Chicago: Redefining the Opera Experience
Lyric Opera of Chicago is a world-renowned opera company that has been entertaining audiences for over 60 years. Founded in 1954, Lyric Opera of Chicago has become one of the most respected and innovative opera companies in the world. With a mission to produce and promote excellence in opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago is dedicated to bringing the art form to new audiences while also preserving its rich history.
The company's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of its productions. From casting world-class singers and musicians to creating stunning sets and costumes, Lyric Opera of Chicago strives for perfection in every detail. The result is an unforgettable experience that transports audiences into another world.
One thing that sets Lyric Opera of Chicago apart from other opera companies is its dedication to innovation. While many traditional opera companies are content with presenting classic works as they were originally written, Lyric Opera of Chicago embraces new ideas and approaches. This has led to some truly groundbreaking productions that have redefined what it means to experience great opera today.
For example, one recent production was "The Ring Cycle," which consisted of four operas by Richard Wagner performed over four consecutive nights. This epic undertaking required an enormous amount of planning and preparation but was ultimately a huge success, drawing rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.
Another example is "Jesus Christ Superstar," which was produced by Lyric Opera as part of its Broadway at Lyric series. This production featured rock star Alice Cooper as King Herod and received widespread acclaim for its fresh take on this classic musical.
In addition to producing innovative productions, Lyric Opera also offers a wide range of educational programs designed to introduce young people to the joys and complexities of opera. These programs include student matinees, backstage tours, master classes with professional singers, workshops for teachers, and more.
Overall, there are many reasons why Lyric Opera stands out among other opera companies around the world. Its commitment to excellence in all aspects – from casting top-notch performers to creating stunning sets – ensures that each performance will be unforgettable for those lucky enough to attend. And with its dedication not only producing great art but also educating future generations about it through various programs makes it stand out even more!
lyricopera.org
