Chicago Music and Theater

DECEMBER BRINGS GIFTS OF FINE MUSIC AND THEATER
By Joseph Cunnif​

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FFollowing is a look both forward and back to some of the best in 
Chicagoland music and theater. 

SYMPHONY CENTER: Violinist James Ehnes joins the Chicago 
Symphony Orchestra for Britten’s rarely heard Violin Concerto in a program that includes Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun” and Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 4, Gianandrea Noseda conducting. Dec. 11 and 13 at 7:30 and Dec. 12 at 1:30. 

Members of the CSO and CSO Chorus join conductor John Morris 
Russell in “Merry, Merry Chicago!” with popular carols, holiday favorites, and festive surprises Dec. 19 at 7:30, 20 at 1 pm, 21 at 1 and 4:30, 22 at 7:30, and 23 at 1 and 4:30. Visit cso.org. (312) 294-3000. 
 

LYRIC OPERA: Since 1893, two of the most popular short operas have 
been presented together. Both are highly melodic and in the true-to-life 
“verismo” style: Mascagni’s “Cavalleria rusticana” (“Rustic Chivalry”) and 
Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci” (“Clowns”), together known as “Cav and Pag.” 
 

What a show Lyric achieved with them! With the enthralling sounds of a 
full-sounding Lyric orchestra, thrillingly conducted by Enrique Mazzola, an 
outstanding cast bought these classics to life.  In “Cav,” it included Yulia 
Matochkina, Lauren Decker, SeokJong Baek, and Quinn Kelsey.  

In “Pag,” that cast included Quinn Kelsey again plus Russell Thomas, 
Gabriella Reyes, and others, all wonderful. Under the original direction of 
Elijah Moshinsky, with Peter McClintock as revival director, the sets and 
costumes of Michael Yeargan, in the lighting of Duane Schuler, emerged as 
fine paintings. 

Lyric is now gearing-up for Richard Strauss’s “Salome” January 25-Feb. 
14. For a complete schedule visit lyricopera.org. 

JOFFREY BALLET presents Tchaikovsky’s beloved “The Nutcracker,” in 
the kaleidoscopic reimagining of choreographer Christopher Whelldon amidst the spectacle of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. 2 hours, Dec. 5-28. joffrey.org.

 
CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER is presenting a delightful production of the classic comedy “Much Ado About Nothing.” Directed by Selina Cadell, in a pleasingly sun-drenched Renaissance atmosphere with sets and costumes by Tom Piper and lighting by Jason Lynch. 

A sparkling cast has so many winning performances, including those of 
Deborah Hay and Mark Bedard as the battling lovers Beatrice and Benedick, Samuel B. Jackson and Mi Kang as Claudio and Hero, Kevin Gudahl as Leonato, and more. Playing three roles, Jaylon Muchison is particularly effective as a clear-spoken Friar. The music adds much to the merriment.

 

For years I have made it a point to read a Shakespeare play before I see the show.  I can highly recommend the Folger Library pocket editions, which have explanatory notes on each facing page throughout the text. 

I read slowly and it takes some work, but it enriches the experience. Its 
fun to run across those famous lines: in this play, they include “Speak low, if
you speak love.” , wouldn’t that make a good song? 

STEPPENWOLF THEATER: Audiences are raving about “Amadeus” 
directed by Robert Falls, for 35 years the Artistic Director of Steppenwolf’s 
rival Goodman Theater.  

The clever play by Peter Shaffer was turned into a movie which 
introduced throngs of people to Mozart. Steppenwolf’s production features 
David Darrow as Mozart and Ian Barford as his less-talented and scheming 
rival Salieri.  

Staged in-the-round, the hit show has been extended to January 25, 
2026. www.steppenwolf.org. 

JAZZ SHOWCASE: December treat should include the quartet of 
trumpeter Corey Wilkes Dec. 11-14 and, from Dec. 18-21, saxophonist Tim 
Wwarfield’s “Jazzy Christmas.” The 4 pm. Sunday matinees are favorites of 
mine. 806 S. Plymouth Court. (312) 360-0234. jazzshowcse.com