Articles by Jon Rayfield

Civitas Ensemble at Nichols Hall Review - And The People Rejoiced

Civitas is a staggeringly talented group of musicians farmed from the ranks of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The quality of their performance – as well as the group’s mission – is immense

Orion Ensemble Presents All That Jazz Review - The Chamber-Jazz Mash Up

The stately and ornate décor of Roosevelt University’s Ganz Hall served as a backdrop for Chicago chamber group Orion Ensemble’s penultimate concert of its 2011 – 2012 season

Tigers Be Still at Theater Wit Review - Misery Has Company

While certainly resting well in the darkest depths of comedy, Tigers Be Still is nonetheless a poignant look at the different ways people and families are affected by depression

We Are Proud To Present… at Victory Gardens Review – An Evening of Genocide at the Theater

When considering recommending theater events in your area, it is usually not the best selling point to rave about a play whose topic focuses almost exclusively on genocide. And yet here we are

Four Score Festival at Nichols Hall Review – A Sorcerer’s Apprentice

The Music Institute of Chicago’s Four Score Festival at Nichols Hall in Evanston concluded Sunday with its second of two performances, featuring American icon Aaron Copland and one of his students, Argentinian composer Mario Davidovksy

Rinaldo at Lyric Opera Review - Eternal Sunshine of Spotless Love

Modern and creative set design, delightful choreography, and a string of breathtakingly wonderful principals, Rinaldo is as much a showcase to Lyric’s enduring ability to remake itself as it is a dutiful homage to classic bel canto opera

CSO Subscription Series Review - Stravinsky and Schoenberg a Tale of Two Ditties

Whether you ‘get it’ or not, Schoenberg and Stravinsky will continue to draw praise and critique, as well as no shortage of packed houses

Aida at Lyric Opera of Chicago Review - A Not-So-Modern Love Story

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Verdi's Aida, a tragic love tale told with all the pomp and pageantry that is so distinctly Verdi

Its A Wonderful Life: The Radio Play Review: Reimagine Tradition

Capturing every bit of the spirit of the original film, ATC turns the tale on its ear and presents a hilarious, musical, theatrical performance focused on the actors performing a radio broadcast of It’s A Wonderful Life

The Doyle And Debbie Show at Royal George Theater Review - A Country Duo Hits the Big City

Featuring hilarious original songs and not at all subtle dark humor, Doyle and Debbie is an experience that is equal parts homage to country music and satirical performance art

Music Institute presents Calidore String Quartet Review - A Special Blend

The Music Institute of Chicago continued its 2011-2012 Faculty and Guest Artist concert series on Sunday with a stellar performance by the Fischoff National Chamber Competition champions the Calidore String Quartet

The Amish Project at American Theater Company Review - A One Woman Triumph Over Tragedy

The Amish Project examines the toll taken on seven different characters faced with a tragedy that rocked an entire community, taking stock of the profound and sometimes unlikely emotions that surface in reaction to a shared loss

He/She Review

Chicago Opera Theatre

Chicago's Grant Park Music Festival - Summer Starts With Soggy Symphony

A tradition that began in the midst of the Great Depression, this free concert series has grown to be a unique attraction in Chicago’s summer entertainment line-up

Teatro Vista’s Production of Freedom, NY Review – What Will We Give Up For Security?

In it’s world premiere run, Teatro Visto presents Freedom, NY, an intense look into a world where tragedy drives three people to confront their basest fears, and where common threads can be sewn together in almost all human stories

Chicago Opera Theater He-She Review - Heartache Knows No Gender

Chicago Opera Theater concluded its 2011 spring festival season over the weekend at Millenium Park’s Harris Theater with He/She

Chicago Opera Theater He/She Review - Heartache Knows No Gender

Chicago Opera Theater concluded its 2011 spring festival season over the weekend at Millenium Park’s Harris Theater with He/She

Lyric Opera's Rising Stars in Concert Review - Young Stars Shine Bright

Opera has existed in the vernacular of western classical music for centuries, and yet so rarely is there an opportunity to observe young talent exercising their craft at the bleeding edge of the art form

Merchant of Venice at Broadway In Chicago Review - A Modern Presentation

Broadway in Chicago presents New York’s Theater For A New Audience production of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice

Hercules at Lyric Opera Review - Not Too Hot To Handel

Hercules, now showing at Lyric Opera Chicago, directly confronts the true spoils of war: the toll taken on soldiers and family and communities

Axiom Brass at Nichols Hall Review - Bringing Brass Forward

The beautiful Nichols Hall hosted the remarkable and talented Axiom Brass for an evening of great music and a mission of hope in the classical community

Lohengrin at Lyric Opera Review - Masterfully Performed

Lyric Opera brings the Covent Gardens production of Richard Wagner’s Lohengrin back to the stage for the first time since 1980

The Temptations at Genesee Theater - Review

The historic Genesee Theatre hosted R&B mega group The Temptations as they tour in support of their 49th studio release

Wicked Whirlwind Whips Through Windy City - Review

The internationally acclaimed smash hit musical Wicked returns for a limited eight-week holiday engagement at the Cadillac Palace Theater in Chicago

Fulcrum Point New Music Project Review - Presenting "Motown Metal"

Fulcrum Point New Music Project’s third season commences with “Motown Metal”, attempting to create an atmosphere to deconstruct and explore the musical and compositional qualities of the automobile

Chicago Chamber Choir Songs of War and Peace Review

The Chicago Chamber Choir began their 2010 – 2011 season by joining forces with the Milwaukee Choral Artists to perform Songs of War and Peace

Guanajuato Review - Bringing Flavor and Fun to North Shore Dining

Guanajuato Restaurant and Tequila Bar in Glencoe provides a taste of small town Mexico in the heart of the north shore

Blues on the North Shore Review 2010 - Showcasing Five Generations of Blues

A burgeoning musical institution rings strong and bluesy as Blues on the North Shore 2010 presents its annual concert series at Evanston's SPACE

Moses In Egypt Review - Biblical Meets Romantic in Chicago Opera Theater Spring 2010 Opener

Chicago Opera Theater's debut performance of Moses in Egypt marks a phenomenal debut to its Spring 2010 season

Thursday May 24th: 8:00 PM | FINDING THE BURNETT HEART; 8:00 PM | THE COLOR PURPLE - THE MUSICAL @ Celebration Theatre; 8:00 PM | NO TIME TO WEEP; 8:00 PM | Jitney---South Coast Reperatory; 8:00 PM | MORMON BOY TRILOGY; 8:00 PM | Re-Animator The Musical; 8:00 PM | THE CHILDREN @ The Theatre @ Boston Court; 8:00 PM | SOPHIA; 8:00 PM | OUR LADY OF 121st STREET; 8:30 PM | PATTY! A PoP! Music Religious Revival

Feature Article