Displaying items by tag: Sasha Gerritson

Opera Festival of Chicago opens its 2026 festival season with Very Verismo!, that includes a VIP reception and a captivating concert celebrating the richness and beauty of Italian opera through works by leading verismo composers. The concert takes place Saturday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jarvis Opera Hall in the Holtschneider Performance Center at DePaul University School of Music, 800 W. Belden Ave. Single tickets are $150. VIP tickets are $250 and include an exclusive pre-show reception beginning at 5:30 p.m., drinks and hors d’oeuvres, access to a silent auction and opportunities to meet festival artists. Tickets are $25 – $91 for the two mainstage productions in Opera Festival of Chicago and information are available at OperaFestivalChicago.org.

This special concert features headlining artists from the 2026 Opera Festival of Chicago season, an organization devoted to presenting world-class productions of rarely performed Italian opera masterworks while fostering a vibrant and accessible operatic culture in Chicago. The evening features music by renowned verismo composers including Puccini, Leoncavallo, Mascagni and Giordano, performed by an exceptional lineup of artists.

Soprano Alexandra Razskazoff, a Grand Finals winner of the 2022 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, has been praised by The New York Times as a “richly faceted, slinky soprano” and by Opera News for a voice that is “rich, distinctive of timbre, penetrating, and possessing a lovely bloom on top.” She is joined by dramatic soprano Zhanna Alkhazova, heralded by Opera News for her “bright, sword-flashing sound”; tenor Nathan Granner, acclaimed for his “marvelous intensity” (Gramophone) and described as “a stirring tenor of equal parts metal and warmth” (Opera News) and baritone Franco Pomponi, praised by the Chicago Tribune as “the real article, a baritone with a warm focused tone and a genuine feel for true Italian legato singing.”

The Opera Festival of Chicago 2026 will also present two Mainstage productions: 

La Bohème (New Production) by Giacomo Puccini

Friday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 5 at 2 p.m.

George Van Dusen Theatre, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Directed by Sasha Gerritson

Conducted by Emanuele Andrizzi

La Bohème tells the story of young artists navigating love, friendship and poverty in 1830s Paris. The production stars Alexandra Razskazoff (Mimì), Nathan Granner (Rodolfo), Joe Lodato (Marcello), Catherine Antonia Samartin (Musetta), Jonathan Wilson (Schaunard), Anthony Reed (Colline) & William Powers (Benoit & Alcindoro).

Widely regarded as one of the greatest operas ever written, La Bohème follows a group of young artists struggling to survive in 1830s Paris. At its center is the poetic love story between Rodolfo and Mimì, unfolding against themes of poverty, friendship and the fleeting nature of life. Puccini’s unforgettable score captures universal emotions of joy, loss and heartbreak.

Adriana Lecouvreur (New Production) by Francesco Cilea

Sunday, June 28 at 2 p.m. and Friday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m.

George Van Dusen Theatre, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Directed by Shifra Werch

Conducted by Emanuele Andrizzi

Adriana Lecouvreur is a verismo masterpiece exploring love and rivalry within the world of the 18th-century Comédie-Française. Set at the Comédie-Française, the opera follows the celebrated actress Adriana Lecouvreur as she becomes entangled in a tragic love triangle with a noble soldier and a vengeful princess. The cast includes Zhanna Alkhazova (Adriana), Jeremy Brauner (Maurizio), Franco Pomponi (Michonnet), Viktoria Vizin (Principessa di Bouillon), Chris Filipowicz (Principe di Bouillon) and David Cangelosi (L’Abate di Chazeuil). The opera has not been staged in Chicago in more than 70 years, when legendary soprano Renata Tebaldi sang the title role.

Both mainstage productions, La Bohème and Adriana Lecouvreur, feature the Opera Festival of Chicago Orchestra and Chorus.

Cast and creative teams are subject to change. 

ABOUT OPERA FESTIVAL OF CHICAGO

The Opera Festival of Chicago is dedicated to presenting world-class productions of rarely performed Italian opera masterworks while cultivating a vibrant and accessible operatic culture in Chicago. By celebrating Italy’s rich artistic heritage and nurturing the next generation of performers, the Festival aspires to become America’s leading hub for Italian opera, bringing exceptional artistry, cultural depth and homegrown talent to the forefront of the city’s cultural landscape.

Opera Festival of Chicago performances have been broadcast on WFMT, WETA, and other classical radio stations across the United States and internationally. The company has received critical recognition from local and national media, including Opera News and Chicago Classical Review. Its production of Il prigioniero by Luigi Dallapiccola was selected by the Chicago Tribune as one of the city’s best opera productions of the year.

Following a string of successful shows, Music Theater Works has once again hit the jackpot with their 2025 season opener, Guys and Dolls. This delightful production is currently wowing audiences at the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. With infectious tunes and clever lyrics by Frank Loesser, and a sharp script by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, the show is skillfully directed by Sasha Gerritson. Add to that the vibrant choreography by Clayton Cross and the expert musical direction by Linda Madonia, and you've got a performance that's guaranteed to keep you coming back for more!

Guys and Dolls is a timeless musical comedy that transports audiences to the bustling streets of 1950s New York City. The plot centers around the dynamic lives of several characters, particularly Nathan Detroit, a gambler running an underground dice game, and his enduring fiancée, Miss Adelaide, a nightclub singer longing for Nathan to finally marry her. To fund his next game, Nathan bets Sky Masterson, a high-stakes gambler, that he can't charm Sarah Brown, a virtuous mission worker. Sky takes up the challenge, and through a series of delightful and engaging interactions, he gradually wins Sarah's heart.

As the story unfolds, the characters become woven into a rich tapestry of love, deceit, and redemption. Sarah uncovers Sky's original motives but forgives him as they both realize their deepening love for each other. Meanwhile, Nathan's efforts to keep his dice game hidden lead to a blend of comedic and thrilling situations. The musical reaches a heartwarming and joyous climax, with Nathan marrying Adelaide and Sky and Sarah starting a promising new chapter together. Featuring memorable songs, lively dance routines, and a touching storyline, Guys and Dolls remains a beloved and timeless treasure in the world of musical theatre.

This well-cast ensemble driven production has an array of bright and talented actors that make this such a memorable adventure. Callen Roberts finesses the role of Nathan Detroit to perfection - a gambler who runs an illegal dice game and is engaged to Miss Adelaide. Roberts truly embraces his fast-talking, hustling persona, transforming the character into one of the show's key anchors and a standout presence. Jeffrey Charles is spot on as Sky Masterson, the suave gambler who wagers he can charm Sarah Brown, while Kristin Brintnall steals the spotlight as Miss Adelaide, Nathan's fiancée. Her blend of comedic timing and stellar vocals brings the nightclub singer's longing for a settled life to life brilliantly. Cecilia Iole shines Sarah Brown, a mission worker who becomes the object of Sky's bet but eventually falls for him. Iole’s vocals are nothing short of spectacular. A round of applause also goes out to the rest of the ensemble, who contribute to making this musical the delightful experience it is meant to be. Andrew Freeland brings down the house as Big Julie, serving up some of the show’s biggest belly laughs. Shoutouts are also well-earned by Ian Reed, Carey Lovett, Caron Buinis, Bob Sanders, and Peter Ruger, who each bring their own flair to the stage. And let’s not forget the dazzling Hot Box Girls—Jenny Couch, Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor, Emily Holland, and Emma Jean Eastland—who light up the stage with their sensational moves. These ladies can really dance! The entire cast? Absolutely top-notch.

(L to R) Jenny Couch, Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor, Kristin Brintnall, Emily Holland and Emma Jean Eastland in GUYS AND DOLLS, from Music Theater Works.

One of my absolute favorite things about the show was its incredible Times Square neighborhood set—it felt like you were right in the heart of the action! But what truly stole the spotlight was the eight-piece band playing up above for everyone to admire. Talk about a show-stopping touch! Equally impressive was how choreographer Clayton Cross utilized the stage space to accommodate such a large cast, creating a busy New York feel with heavy people traffic and such elaborate dance numbers.

Guys and Dolls is a must-see production that brings the vibrant streets of 1950s New York City to life with its captivating characters and delightful musical numbers. With unforgettable songs like "Luck Be a Lady," “A Bushel and a Peck,” and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," this show is guaranteed to have you tapping your toes and humming along. Don't miss the chance to experience the magic, humor, and heart of this timeless classic—it's a theatrical gem that promises an evening of pure entertainment!

This might be the first production of the year, but plenty of action lies ahead for Music Theater Works. The 45th season lineup also features the following upcoming shows: Fiddler on the Roof from August 7 to 17, Godspell from October 23 to November 16, and Annie from December 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

Guys and Dolls is currently being performed at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie and runs through March 30^th. For tickets and/or more show information, visit www.MusicTheaterWorks.com.

Highly Recommended!

Featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/