February 03. 2023 - February 12. 2023
Upcoming Dates
February 03. 2023 - February 12. 2023
World premiere The Factotum
Grammy-nominated baritone Will Liverman, a Ryan Opera Center alumnus, is rapidly rising to national prominence and recently triumphed at the Metropolitan Opera. Now he joins dynamic producer/DJ/multi-instrumentalist King Rico in creating a new work inspired by Rossini's The Barber of Seville that has grown into a joyful, original piece all its own, commissioned by Lyric. Updating the action to a Black barbershop on Chicago's South Side, this gifted duo has created an irresistibly upbeat work that celebrates the strength of community. The Factotum blends diverse musical styles with boundless imagination to create a soul opera, moving from gospel and funk to rap, hip-hop, classic barbershop quartet, and R&B. Those styles connect brilliantly with classical singing in a very human comedy that redefines everything that opera can be.
Casting will be announced later in 2022.
- Language: Sung in English with projected English titles
- Running Time: Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission
- Location: Harris Theater
Lyric's world premiere of The Factotum is generously made possible by Ford Foundation, Roberta L. & Robert J. Washlow, the John R. and Grace K. Stanek Charitable Fund, Gene & Jean Stark, OPERA America, and the Bill & Orli Staley Foundation.
Additional support is provided by Lyric Opera of Chicago's Production Circle.
Videos
Meet the artists
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Will Liverman **
Co-Creator & Mike
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King Rico *
Co-Creator
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Gabriella Reyes
Rose
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Norman Garrett
Garby
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Kedrick Armstrong *
Conductor
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Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj *
Director
* Lyric debut
** Ryan Opera Center alum