Great stories. Thrilling music. Theater that's filled with beauty and spectacle. Dance that ranges from dreamlike to explosively energetic. If these phrases bring Lyric's Broadway musicals to mind, you're not alone. Featuring the full power of our large choral and orchestral forces, theatrical productions that are built for and brought to life on the largest stage in Chicago, and the best and brightest directors, conductors, and star artists, these shows have brought hundreds of thousands of theatergoers to the Lyric Opera House — many for the first time. We hope you enjoy some of the highlights of Lyric's Broadway babies...and we can't wait to see you back for more!
Lyric's Broadway Hits...A Growing Chicago Tradition
Great stories. Thrilling music. Theater that's filled with beauty and spectacle. Dance that ranges from dreamlike to explosively energetic. If you think we're talking about opera—you'd be right. And we're also talking about Lyric's ongoing series of Broadway musicals.
Broadway Zoom Backgrounds
Whether you long to float down the Mississippi River on the Cotton Blossom, dance the night away at an embassy ball, or snap your way through New York City streets, find the perfect background for your next virtual meeting or family gathering.
Which Broadway Musical Do YOU Belong In?
SInce 2012, Lyric Opera of Chicago has presented one large-scale Broadway musical each season. FInd out which show you were meant to be in with this fun quiz!
Tony and Maria are two wide-eyed teenagers from opposing gangs who fall in love. As their friends and families battle each other, Tony and Maria long for "a place for us...somewhere." Their songs illuminate every scene and permeate our culture, from the romance of "Maria" and "Tonight" to the exuberance of "America" and the biting humor of "Gee, Officer Krupke.
In New York, a group of young Puerto Rican women are together after a dance with their boyfriends. When one of the women praises the joys of life in Puerto Rico, Anita (Amanda Castro) makes fun of her, exuberantly proclaiming how everything is in America.
Experience the backstage life of a show day for Lyric's production of West Side Story.
West Side Story: Audiences and Critics Weigh In!
Watch the West Side Story preview trailer, see what audiences have to say after seeing it, and then read some of the rave reviews that are rolling in as we celebrate opening week!
West Side Story: Behind the Scenes Videos
The collective creative power bringing the legendary West Side Story to Chicago's biggest stage is massive, and it needs to be. The iconic show has it all — laughter, tears, timeless melodies, high-energy dance, and a story that stands the test of time and feels as relevant today as it did when it premiered.
Hot and Cool: The Creation of West Side Story
Unlike other 1950s musicals, West Side Story's original performers were unknowns, not stars. They were also appearing in an atypically gritty show, colored by both the cruelty and the ecstasy of young people living and loving in a vibrant but dangerous urban setting. And that show had a tragic ending, unprecedented for musical theater.
Riveting and Timely: West Side Story's Arrival at Lyric
You can count on West Side Story at Lyric being one of your most memorable musicals you've ever seen. The production by Francesca Zambello comes to Chicago after triumphs at four major American companies. It's a totally fresh look at this iconic show, performed by a cast bursting with talent.
One of the greatest stories ever told comes to life in the groundbreaking rock opera that reinvented musical theater for the modern age. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, this global blockbuster tells the story of the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, from the perspective of Judas Iscariot. As Christ's followers grow more fervent, Judas must make his fateful choice between faith and betrayal. Filled with an exciting mix of musical styles inspired by 1970s rock, gospel, folk, and funk themes, this contemporary imagining of the biblical tale features high-energy dance and powerful storytelling.
"Superstar" is the title song from Jesus Christ Superstar, the 1970 rock opera written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
Come experience the backstage life of a show day for Lyric's production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
The Cast of Jesus Christ Superstar Explains Why This is a Must-See Show
With more than 80 artists including a 37-piece orchestra, high-energy choreography, and 90 pounds of glitter used in each performance, you won't want to miss this incredible production! We sat down with the cast to find out why this is the must-see show of the year.
Heavenly Reviews for Jesus Christ Superstar
The North American premiere of the Olivier Award-winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar is rocking the opera house! Audiences experienced the electrifying biblical tale up close and personal, and left the performance humming the songs we all know and love.
Rock. Opera. Revolution.
One of the most memorable musical theater achievements of the 20th century did not begin as a theatrical experience. Instead, this revolution began on turntables in homes and churches and dorm rooms, with a few dollars spent on the double-LP set at the record store.
A Larger-Than-Life Jesus Christ Superstar Opens in Chicago
The award-winning London production of the iconic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar — with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice — arrives in Chicago for its North American premiere. Keep reading to discover some of the incredible forces behind Jesus Christ Superstar at Lyric.
What's the buzz? Check out the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar!
This April, rock out with Lyric and the newly announced all-star cast of Jesus Christ Superstar! Keep reading to learn more about this incredible cast and creative team headed to the Windy City!
The charming story of Eliza Doolittle, a young flower seller with a strong Cockney accent, and Professor Henry Higgins, the phonetics professor who believes he can teach her to speak like a proper lady, My Fair Lady is a heartwarming audience favorite.An all-star cast, plus the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus, delivers unforgettable performances of the many favorite tunes including "On the Street Where You Live," "Get Me to the Church on Time," "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?," "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face," the delightful and infectious "I Could Have Danced All Night," and more!
My Fair Lady: Almost—but not quite—a love story
Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe's My Fair Lady has thrilled audiences around the world since its 1956 premiere. Its memorable songs—"I Could Have Danced All Night," "On the Street Where You Live," "The Rain in Spain," and many more—have made their way into the lives of millions, capturing hearts of all ages. The evolution of this masterpiece, while immensely challenging to its creative team, was wildly successful and rewarding for them all—a musical that truly illuminated and enhanced one of the most captivating plays and films in the English language.
My Fair Lady: Journey to the Stage
Take a look back at the first day of rehearsals. This production features 16 principal actors, an ensemble of 40, and 14 dancers! Many of these artists met for the first time just weeks before they would have to step onstage for the first performance.
My Fair Lady's Fab Five
Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady needs a remarkable quintet of singing actors in the major roles, and Lyric's got them! Each has scored terrific successes — whether onstage or onscreen — that make them the ideal leading players of our production.
My Fair Lady: A Broadway Favorite Comes to Lyric
Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe's glorious My Fair Lady will soon be arriving at Lyric! Since its 1956 premiere, the memorable music and thrilling story have enchanted audiences of all ages.
Blimey, My Fair Lady is Coming to Lyric!
Join Professor Henry Higgins (Richard E. Grant) in his seemingly impossible task of transforming the feisty Eliza Doolittle (Lisa O'Hare) into a "proper" lady. Filled to the brim with charms, laughs, and songs you'll be humming all night, My Fair Lady is a one-of-a-kind musical experience not to be missed!
My Fair Lady: As Loverly As It Gets
Audiences found out just how "loverly" a night at the opera house could be. Lyric's production of Lerner and Lowe's My Fair Lady premiered to a packed house that experienced one of the most loved musicals of all time. From its dazzling costumes to its show-stopping musical numbers, My Fair Lady is the show to see this spring. Check out what critics are saying,
One of the most beloved musicals of all time, Lyric's "elaborate...brightly colored...dazzling" (The New York Times) production of The King and I is a glorious spectacle of unforgettable songs, marvelous costumes, and opulent scenery. This Tony-winning musical tells the story of a British schoolteacher who is hired by the King of Siam to tutor his wives and children. As they discuss and debate, they ultimately grow in understanding and respect.
The King of Siam has just hosted a successful dinner for a group of English diplomats and their wives. The King (Paolo Montalbán) has a moment alone with his children's governess, Anna Leonowens (Kate Baldwin), who attempts to explain certain Western customs. Recalling what it's like for a girl at her first dance, she does a polka on her own, but then the King insists that she teach him to dance with her.
A Glorious Partnership: The Hero and Heroine of The King and I
Certain duo title roles in opera require a chemistry onstage that can make all the difference in performance. If we're talking about a palpable connection between performers in a musical, Anna and the king are really in a class by themselves.
Lyric Gets Ready for The King and I
It takes a virtual village of guest artists plus Lyric full time and seasonal staff backstage and front of house to mount a musical! Preparations have been in full swing for The King and I. Casting the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic started a year ago, with the final contract settled on St. Patrick's Day.
Costuming for The King and I
Sumptuous silks in vividly saturated jewel hues. Opulent golden brocades and shimmering fish-scale sequins. Breathtaking beadwork. Impossibly elaborate royal headdresses and fanciful masks. Harem pants and hoop skirts. Embossed and curly-toed leather slippers.
The Quiz and I - What Do You Know About The King and I?
How well do you know the history behind Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical, The King and I? Test your knowledge with this fun quiz.
Reviews for The King and I are in!
Known as one of the most beloved musicals of all time, Lyric's The King and I features unforgettable songs, sumptuous costumes, a dazzling ballet sequence and even a life-size elephant! This production is one not to be missed, and here's why.
Broadway's Hottest Stars Transform into Anna and the King
On the heels of the exciting announcement that Lyric's The King and I will star Kate Baldwin and Paolo Montalban as Anna Leonowens and the King of Siam, Lyric and Make It Better magazine went behind the scenes with the two stars for an exclusive photo shoot and interview.
Casting The King and I
In mid-January, Lyric announced that Kate Baldwin and Paolo Montalban will star as Anna Leonowens and the King of Siam in the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. She's the Tony-nominated star of Finian's Rainbow and Big Fish, and he's best known for playing the Prince in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (World of Disney telefilm).
The Musical Treasures of The King and I
Preview the hits of The King and I in some of our favorite rendition.
Gorgeous Sets and Costumes Planned for The King and I
The lavish sets and costumes for The King and I will make their American debut this spring. The production comes from Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where it premiered in 2014 to great success.
Swaggering, carefree carnival barker Billy Bigelo captivates and marries the naive millworker, Julie Jordan. But all too soon, they fall on hard times and unbearable loss. Yet the power of love perseveres, as do the tuneful hits, in this masterpiece of American musical theater, including "If I Loved You," "June Is Bustin' Out All Over," and "You'll Never Walk Alone."
Stephen Pasquale performs "Soliloquy" from Carousel.
A Duet from Carousel Featuring Laura Osnes and Steven Pasquale
Maria is training to become a nun—but when she proves too spirited for convent life, she's dispatched to take over as governess for the seven children of the widower Captain von Trapp. She captures their hearts, of course, and the rest is history! The family's narrow escape from Austria on the eve of World War II is thrilling, inspirational, and true!
Something Good: the joys of The Sound of Music
It was in a Broadway theater in 1959 that audiences first fell in love with The Sound of Music. The love affair continues unabated, thanks to an eternally captivating story and the songs that have carved such a firm niche in the hearts of listeners everywhere.
The high-spirited rivalry between the farmers and the cowboys is the backdrop for this immortal story about growing up and falling in love, dreams and nightmares, and the promise of a new land on the verge of statehood. Featuring spectacular choreography by Agnes de Mille, it’s packed with an abundance of famous tunes including..."Oh, What a Beautiful Morning"... "People Will Say We're in Love"..."Surrey With the Fringe on Top"..."I Cain't Say No"..."Out of My Dreams," the title song, and more!
Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! onstage at Lyric Opera of Chicago
Broadway goes West: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!
Oklahoma! is one of the true miracles of American musical theater. This initial collaboration of composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II isn't simply a feast of memorable music and lyrics—it's a pioneering, trailblazing masterpiece.
