Earth to Kenzie
Opera in the Neighborhoods returns for both school and public performances of Earth to Kenzie, by composer Frances Pollock and librettist Jessica Murphy Moo is a Lyric co-commission.
Meet Kenzie, a fifth grader with homework, asthma, and a big imagination. When she and her mother have to move into a family shelter, Kenzie finds refuge in the world of video games alongside her avatar, Edwin. Through their imaginary space adventures, Kenzie dares to go farther than ever before. Can she find the confidence to make friends and succeed in the classroom? And can she find her way home?
School tour dates and locations Fall 2026:
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
10:00 AM and 12:00 PM - at capacity, WAITLIST only
Northeastern Illinois University
3679 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL
Thursday, October 15, 2026
10:00 AM and 12:00 PM
North Central College - at capacity, WAITLIST only
Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave, Naperville, IL
Friday, October 23, 2026
10:00 AM and 12:00 PM
Music Institute of Chicago
Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
10:00 AM and 12:00 PM
College of Lake County
19351 W. Washington St, Grayslake, IL
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
10:30 AM
Logan Center for the Arts
915 E. 60th, Chicago, IL
Reserve tickets for Logan Center HERE
Thursday, October 29, 2026
10:00 AM and 12:00 PM
Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
Reservations can be made on the Old Town School of Folk Music website. CLICK HERE to make a reservation.
Logan Center for the Arts will take reservations on their event website. We will post those as soon as they become available.
The tour also includes public performances for families to come outside of a school group. Those tickets are also free, and can be found HERE.
For questions about Opera in the Neighborhoods or any Lyric Negaunee Education Programs, email [email protected].
Backstage Pass!
The Backstage Pass! is a family-friendly introduction to the world of opera and this production of Earth to Kenzie. Filled with insights, information, and activities — the Backstage Pass! is a wonderful way to enhance your performance experience.
Bus scholarships
Download the bus scholarship information to learn more about the application process.
Request Earth to Kenzie tickets
Sponsors
Major support provided by The Negaunee Education Endowment and the Nancy W. Knowles Student and Family Performances Fund.
Opera in the Neighborhoods is supported by Penelope R. Steiner.
Credits
Co-commissioned by Lyric Opera of Chicago and Seattle Opera. Licensed by arrangement with the Barbara Hogenson Agency, Inc.