CHICAGO (10/20/2026) — This fall, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s
Opera in the Neighborhoods program will tour
Earth to Kenzie, a heartwarming and thought-provoking opera for young people that shows just how far your imagination can take you.
Earth to Kenzie will be presented for schools and community groups across Chicago and the suburbs throughout October and November. The fall tour includes 11 student performances plus two public performances on
October 24 and
November 1, reaching thousands of students in grades 3–6.
Composer
Frances Pollock and librettist
Jessica Murphy Moo had children ages 7-12 in mind when creating
Earth to Kenzie, a Lyric co-commission with Seattle Opera. The contemporary children’s opera introduces students and families to Kenzie, a fifth grader with homework, asthma, and a vivid imagination. When she and her mother have to move into a family shelter, Kenzie finds refuge in her favorite video game — a world full of endless possibilities. A one-act operatic adventure,
Earth to Kenzie explores themes and conversations surrounding housing insecurity, technology's role in the lives of children, overcoming obstacles, and finding your place in the world.
"
Earth to Kenzie was composed with the world of video game music in mind. Throughout the score, you’ll hear everything from the 8-bit sounds of the 1990s to the epic, cinematic soundscapes of today's video games," says Pollock. "I wanted to create sonic worlds young people would recognize — worlds that reflect the games they know and love — as a way of drawing them deeper into the story. My hope is that this familiar musical language helps audiences connect with the characters and discover that the themes at the heart of
Earth to Kenzie are universally relatable."
Earth to Kenzie features soprano
Brianna Murray as Kenzie, mezzo-soprano
Angela Born as Kenzie’s mother, mezzo-soprano
Tzytle Steinman as Edwin, and baritone
Samuel James Dewese as Teacher. The production is directed by
Mo Zhou, with music direction by
Paul D. Dykstra and set and costume design by
Jessica Wardell.
Audiences can experience the production at public performances
Saturday, October 24, at 3:00 p.m. at the Music Institute of Chicago and
Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 p.m. at the Logan Center for the Arts. Details for additional public performances planned for spring 2027 will be announced in the coming months.
Opera in the Neighborhoods, part of Lyric’s Negaunee Education Programs, has been introducing young people and families to opera since 1994. This season, the longstanding program continues to expand its reach across the community, bringing the magic of opera to new partners including the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, Old Town School of Folk Music, and the Music Institute of Chicago’s historic Nichols Concert Hall. The program has presented imaginative youth operas from around the world and has commissioned original works from leading composers, ensuring that each season connects students to themes that resonate in today’s world. All student performances are free of charge, reflecting Lyric’s commitment to community engagement.
Reservations for the public performances at the Music Institute of Chicago on October 24 and the Logan Center for the Arts on November 1 are now available. To reserve tickets and learn more about school and public performances, visit
lyricopera.org/kenzie.
