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.

Show dates and locations

Spring tour

Gateway Theater at Copernicus Center
5216 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 12:00 p.m.

The DuSable Black History Museum & Education – IBLA Theater
740 E. 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 12:00 p.m.

Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Thursday, April 23, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, April 23, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
Reserve tickets directly with Old Town School of Folk Music

Kennedy-King College
6301 S. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60621
Thursday, April 30, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, April 30, 2026, 12:00 p.m.

Beverly Arts Center
2407 W. 111th St, Chicago, IL 60655
Friday, May 1, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Friday, May 1, 2026, 12:00 p.m.

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Special requests

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

Artists

  • Lauren Ingebrigtsen

    Lauren Ingebrigtsen *

    Katie (Brumbach) Sandwina

  • Katy Lindhart

    Katy Lindhart

    Marina

  • Hillary Watkins

    Hillary Watkins

    Bebe Barbelle

  • Uma Singh

    Uma Singh *

    Beryl Barbelle

  • Miya Higashiyama

    Miya Higashiyama

    Bernice Barbelle

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

* Lyric debut

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!

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