Prior to arriving in Kansas City for Lyric Opera’s production of The Shining, composer Paul Moravec and librettist Mark Campbell joined Opera Dives Deep via Zoom to discuss their careers, inspiration, and secrets behind the making of the opera! “I knew this piece had legs right away.” -Mark Campbell Q: What can you tell us about the genesis of this work? How did … Read more
Assassins (1990) is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman, based on an original concept by Charles Gilbert, Jr. Assassins portrays a group of historical figures from varying periods who either assassinated or attempted to assassinate Presidents of the United States. The show explores what their presence in … Read more
What makes opera, opera? What makes musical theater, musical theater? What elements and practices determine the difference between the two? This highly contested debate in the artistic community becomes more difficult as theater-makers create productions which blur the lines between these performance styles. Opera and musical theater share more than they differ. Some basic essential … Read more
Spring is approaching, and with it, the major opera event of the season: The Shining! In addition, we have some fabulous engagement opportunities to enrich your experience at the show, including a special Community Conversations event at the Apple Store on the Country Club Plaza! After The Shining we move on to Listen, Wilhelmina! our upcoming family production for children of all … Read more
February kicks off with Orpheus Affair in the Lyric’s production arts building in the Crossroads. Tickets are just $75 and include drinks, food, and impactful art installations. And most importantly, proceeds go towards the support of Lyric Opera of Kansas City programs. February also holds learning opportunities to get you prepped for The Shining, which makes its Kansas City premiere … Read more
The new year brings exciting and engaging opportunities to connect with Lyric Opera with exciting art installations at Orpheus Affair, a spooky trip to the Overlook Hotel, the annual Lyric Opera Ball, a zany children’s opera about all the ways to listen, and a reflection of Stephen Sondheim’s work. VIEW CALENDAR Winter/Spring Preview Orpheus Affair: Candelabra First, we … Read more
ART FUELS INSPIRATION In 1951, Italian composer and librettist Gian Carlo Menotti (1911-2007) was commissioned by the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) to write the first opera for television. Up to this point in time, Menotti’s operatic output included Amelia Goes to the Ball (1937), a radio opera entitled The Old Maid and the Thief (1939), The Medium (1946), The Telephone (1947), and The Consul (1950). With Christmas … Read more
Now that we are beyond Halloween, fall is in full swing as we rush toward the end of 2022. There are many opportunities to enjoy opera, from its grandest and most heartbreaking in La traviata to its touching and sweet in Amahl and the Night Visitors. Community Conversations continue with an engaging opportunity to connect with one of … Read more
Long-sleeved shirts and flannels are starting to appear at the Lyric’s production space as we prepare for our next production, La traviata. Is pumpkin spice opera a thing? Anyway, October brings several opportunities to connect with us before our next mainstage performance at the Kauffman Center. Read more below about our next Community Conversations and a … Read more
by Beth Wamsley Arguably one of the most famous operas of all time, Carmen has been no stranger to pop culture since its creation in 1875. The musical themes of Carmen have been buzzing in our ears for years in a host of different mediums. You’ve probably heard the “Habanera” before, like when the Swedish Chef and Beaker sang it … Read more
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