January 25. 2023 - February 05. 2023
Upcoming Dates
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January 25. 2023 - February 05. 2023
Hansel and Gretel
By
When this universally cherished production debuted 20 years ago, it captivated Chicago audiences. It did the same in 2012, and this season it returns again by popular demand. This rivetingly modern, astonishingly inventive view of the Brothers Grimm's fairytale features an eye-popping production that does full justice to Humperdinck's glorious score. You'll be rooting for Hansel and Gretel at every moment in their battle against the witch in the massive, industrial-strength kitchen, and you'll be moved by the "Dream Ballet." From the exquisite "Evening Prayer" to the uproarious "Witch's Ride," this ever-fresh, whimsical masterpiece is packed with musical gems that make it a wonderful introduction to opera for audiences of all ages.
- Language: Sung in German with projected English titles
- Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes with 1 intermission
- Location: Lyric Opera House
Lyric’s presentation of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel is generously made possible by ITW.
Pre-opera talk
Speaker: Colin Ure
Join us in the Ardis Krainik Theatre one hour before your opera performance begins for a free, 30-minute preview talk discussing that day’s production.
Seating is unreserved, but a ticket for that day’s performance is required. Talks begin one hour before each performance and doors open approximately 15 minutes before the start of the talks.
Pre-opera talks are supported by Raynette and Ned Boshell.
A recorded version of the Pre-opera talk is available below.
© 2022/23 Lyric Opera Commentaries. All rights reserved.
The music featured is generously furnished by Warner Classics.
Lyric Opera Commentaries are sponsored by the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation in memory of their parents.
Videos
Photos
Heidi Stober as Gretel, Samantha Hankey as Hansel, and Jill Grove as the Witch in Hansel and Gretel (2022/23 Season).
Photo: Cory Weaver
Heidi Stober as Gretel and Samantha Hankey as Hansel in Hansel and Gretel (2022/23 Season).
Photo: Cory Weaver
Heidi Stober as Gretel and Samantha Hankey as Hansel in Hansel and Gretel (2022/23 Season).
Photo: Cory Weaver
Heidi Stober as Gretel and Samantha Hankey as Hansel in Hansel and Gretel (2022/23 Season).
Photo: Cory Weaver
Heidi Stober as Gretel, Samantha Hankey as Hansel, and Jill Grove as the Witch in Hansel and Gretel (2022/23 Season).
Photo: Cory Weaver
Articles
by Roger Pines
In this enlightening director's note, revival director Eric Einhorn talks about bringing hunger and temptation to life on stage in Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel. Experience the twisted fairy tale — based on the beloved story by the Brothers Grimm — January 25 through February 5.
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After 36 years at Lyric — with 21 as music director and principal conductor— Sir Andrew Davis is a permanent fixture at the Lyric Opera House. He's spent countless hours with characters like Don Quichotte, Brünnhilde, and Figaro in rehearsal rooms and the orchestra pit. See if you can spot the Maestro in some of his favorite opera scenes
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To say that Chicago is excited about a return of mezzo-soprano Jill Grove as the Witch in HANSEL AND GRETEL would be an understatement. As she reprises her role later this month, we can expect “an absolute hoot” (Chicago Tribune) — but what is she expecting, a decade later? We sat down with the Witch herself to see what she’s cooking up.
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by Andrew Porter
Humperdinck deployed all the Wagnerian tricks to create an enduring fairy tale.
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The Brothers Grimm fairytale of two brave children lost in the forest is one of the most enchanting stories ever told. How much more wonderful it is when accompanied by Humperdinck’s music!
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Meet the artists
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Samantha Hankey *
Hansel
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Heidi Stober
Gretel
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Jill Grove
Witch
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Alexandra LoBianco
Mother
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Alfred Walker *
Father
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Denis Vélez ***
Sandman / Dew Fairy
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Sir Andrew Davis
Conductor
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Richard Jones
Original Director
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Eric Einhorn
Revival Director
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John Macfarlane
Set & Costume Designer
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Linda Dobell
Original Choreographer
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Jennifer Tipton
Lighting Designer
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Josephine Lee
Children's Chorus Master
UNITING VOICES CHICAGO
* Lyric debut
*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
Program book
Go inside this production of Hansel and Gretel with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.
Coproduction of Lyric Opera of Chicago and Welsh National Opera. Coproduction originally made possible by the Vance Family Fund, with additional funding from BP America Inc.
Photo: Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera