Articles by Jon Rayfield
Verdi's Rigoletto at Lyric Opera Chicago Review - Sad Clown, Pantsless King
With wonderful music, an approachable story, and relatable characters, Rigoletto is a great opera for first-time opera goers and veterans alike
Mike Tyson: The Undisputed Truth Review - Tyson's Life Hits The Road
In a bold and unexpected career move, former heavyweight champion boxer Mike Tyson teams up with director Spike Lee to conquer the theater circuit in a Broadway in Chicago production of Mike Tyson: The Undisputed Truth
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg at Lyric Opera Review – Mastery of the Musical Marathon
You may have to leave work early for this one folks, and it will be well worth the personal time.
Lyric Opera Chicago’s latest production, Die Meistersinger von Nurenburg, is a truly singular experience in the art world
Hansel and Gretel at Lyric Opera Review - Something Twisted This Way Comes
While relatively tame compared to the source material, Hansel and Gretel still has some legitimately creepy moments, so parents and gentleman with easily timorous companions understand the actual traditional definition of the term “fairy tale”
Don Pasquale at Lyric Opera Chicago Review – A Sitcom for the Ages
With an excellent performance, a (relatively) light-hearted story, and gorgeous staging, Don Pasquale has a look and feel that even Donizetti himself would recognize and celebrate
Werther at Lyric Opera Chicago Review - The Exquisite Art of Misdirection
Director Francisco Negrin’s vision of Werther overreaches on reimagining the all-too-familiar star-crossed lover tale, creating instead an occasionally amusing but overall visually confusing tale of a man's descent into madness and despair
Barkada Quartet at Nichols Hall - Hanging With The Guys
Currently on their Fischoff-sponsored victory tour around the Midwest and then a 2013 tour in Italy, Barkada Quartet is certain to catch people’s ear the world over.
One Name Only A Different Kind of Reality Show Review - Musical Theater Gets 'Reality' Check
With a different winner each night, a stupendous soundtrack, and an amazing cast, One Name Only: A Different Kind Of Reality Show is a winner for the Black Ensemble Theater
Steppenwolf Theatre Presents Three Sisters Review - Shining a Modern Light on Chekhov
Even though there is almost no action, Three Sisters remains a captivating look into the landscape of human drama, and Chekhov’s stories educate on the subtle complexities of the human character, making for a highly enjoyable evening of theater
Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles Review - Cover Band Achieves High Art
Go see Rain, which is only playing in Chicago through Sunday, or travel to another town and see it. Rekindle the dying art of following tours, and if your job asks you can at least claim it was on once on Broadway
Stuffed and Unstrung Review - Puppets Gone Wild
Potty-mouthed puppets have been unleashed on Chicago, and the improv scene will never be the same. Showing for one week only, Broadway in Chicago presents Henson Alternative’s runaway hit comedy stage show Stuffed and Unstrung
Immediate Family at Goodman Theatre Review - Coming To the Table
Immediate Family is a hilarious and emotional play, and has enough balance of funny and thought-provoking material to appeal to pretty much everyone
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
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
A Dream Unfolds Review - King's Dream Realized
Symphony Center is abuzz with energy, silent and poised for the annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., titled A Dream Unfolds
Chicago Chamber Choir Review - Ringing In The Holiday With Style, Grace
The Chicago Chamber Choir presents a collection of French originated Christmas-themed works that showcase the great talents of the ensemble
Fire and Ice Gala A Cool Way to Heat Up New Years Eve - Preview
Located under an hour from downtown Chicago, The Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes Resort presents the 2010 Fire and Ice New Years Eve gala, an elegant evening of fun
Orion Ensemble Review - Shining Brightly, First of Concert Series Concludes
The Orion Ensemble’s 2009 – 2010 season marks the seventeenth for the group, which promises to be wonderful
OctoberFeast Review – A River North Business Association First
OctoberFeast is a progressive stroll among some of Chicago's best restaurant, bar and entertainment venues, each featuring signature food and drink tastings along the way
