Katie: The Strongest of the Strong

Language: Performed in English
Composer: Faye Chiao
Librettist: Anton Dudley

Opera in the Neighborhoods returns for both school and public performances in the 2025/26 Season with Katie: The Strongest of the Strong. This powerful opera for young audiences is inspired by the true story of Katie Sandwina, a circus strongwoman who – beyond earning the title “the strongest woman in the world," and being a wife and mother – also helped to lead the women’s suffrage movement in the early 1900s. With an all-female cast, Katie: The Strongest of the Strong is a wonderful way to introduce young people to opera and the important history of women’s rights.

Bus directions

Show dates and locations

Fall tour

North Central College - Pfeiffer Hall - at capacity, waitlist only
310 E. Benton Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
Tuesday, October 14, 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, October 14, 12:00 p.m.

College of Lake County
James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts
19351 W. Washington St, Grayslake, IL 60030
Thursday, October 16, 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, October 16, 12:00 p.m.

Kehrein Center for the Arts - at capacity, waitlist only
5628 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60644
Thursday, October 23, 10:00 a.m.
Friday, October 24, 10:00 a.m.

Northeastern Illinois University - at capacity, waitlist only
5500 N St Louis Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Thursday, October 30, 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, October 30, 12:00 p.m.

Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts
915 E. 60th, Chicago, IL 60637
Friday, October 31, 10:30 a.m.
^{Reserve tickets directly with Logan Center for the Arts}

Spring tour dates to be announced at a later date.

RSVP with the form below. If you do not hear back from us within 7 days, please check your spam folder. Also, add [email protected] and [email protected] to you contacts to stay up to date on all student programs.

RSVP

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Special requests

I have accessibility needs (hearing assistance, wheelchair access seating, etc…)

I would like to apply for a bus scholarship (Our student population qualifies for the free and reduced lunch program.)

If applying for a bus scholarship: Name of school clerk

If applying for a bus scholarship: Email of school clerk

Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions about this event.

Backstage Pass!

The Backstage Pass! is a family-friendly introduction to the world of opera and this production of Katie: The Strongest of the Strong. Filled with insights, information, and activities — the Backstage Pass! is a wonderful way to enhance your performance experience.

Download Backstage pass!

Artists

Katie (Brumbach) Sandwina, Lauren Ingebrigtsen
Marina, Katy Lindhart
Bebe Barbelle, Hillary Watkins
Beryl Barbelle, Uma Singh
Bernice Barbelle, Miya Higashiyama
Music Director, Dr. Charlene Lotz
Director, Denise Yvette Serna
Set and Prop Designer, Austin Abernathy
Costume Designer, Clair Hummel
Assistant Director, Paige Dirkes-Jacks
Stage Manager, Shelby Krarup
Tour Manager, Mari DeOleo
Backstage Pass Designer, Robert Johnson

Commissioned by Houston Grand Opera. Premiered by the Houston Grand Opera in October 2020.