Displaying items by tag: Eliza Van Den Heever
Review: 'Elektra' at Lyric Opera of Chicago
Elektra must have been a Scorpio. Strauss’ intense one-act opera ‘Elektra’ is a classic tale of revenge set to some of the most thrilling music ever composed. Originally directed by Sir David McVicar at the Lyric in 2012, Remy Bummpo artistic director Nick Sandys helms the revival this season.
Clocking in at a mere one hour and forty minutes, this brief but highly concentrated opera is as exciting as it is macabre. Violence in opera is more often conveyed through music than staging, but in this production brutality flows through the set and costumes. At once the one-set stage is overpoweringly effective in creating a dark, atmospheric experience. John Macfarlane presents a strikingly unique aesthetic that heightens Strauss’ sense of horror.
Richard Strauss collaborated on ‘Elektra’ with librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal. It held its world premiere in 1909 and has continued to be crowd pleaser ever since. Strauss helped bring the psychological elements dominating literature to the opera stage. In that regard, ‘Elektra’ is a very modern opera. His composition style also suggests the foundations of modern film scores. The music of ‘Elektra’ quickly moves from soaring to dark in the space of a breath.
This is an opera that requires a strong voice and a talented actress. Luckily, this production has two. Nina Stemme makes her Lyric debut in the title role. Eliza Van Den Heever returns to the Lyric to play Chrysothemis, Elektra’s sympathetic sister. While Elektra is the lead and Stemme does an amazing job, Heever makes Chrysothemis just as integral. Together with Michaela Marten as the wicked Klytamnestra, they create a trifecta of female power. With the exception of Orest (Iain Paterson) there aren’t many male voices in this opera. That’s entirely okay as these three women dominate the stage in a most satisfying way.
‘Elektra’ is an essential opera in the same vein as ‘Faust’. For those with only a tepid interest in opera, this 100-minute production is entirely accessible. There’s a cinematic quality to the music and the staging that leaves nary an empty moment. If that isn’t enough, just wait until the stage literally gushes blood.
Through February 22 at Lyric Opera of Chicago. 20 N Wacker Drive. 312-827-5600
Rocky in Concert Delivers a Knockout Night Despite Technical Stumbles
17 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewMarking Rocky’s 50th anniversary, Rocky in Concert arrived at the Auditorium Theatre in a highly anticipated Auditorium Philms presentation featuring…
C'est Drôle: Tartuffe, or, The Charlatan brings classic humor to Wrigleyville theatre
15 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewWhile many of my classmates were signing up for Spanish classes, I thought it would be terribly useful to sign…
A New Home, A Necessary Warning: Timeline’s Enemy Lands Hard
15 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewTimeline Theatre unveils their chic, new Uptown home with its inaugural production–Henrik Ibsen’s ever-relevant “An Enemy of the People”. A…
Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces 40th Anniversary Season
15 May 2026 in Theatre BuzzChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Edward Hall and Executive Director Kimberly Motes announce today the company's 40th Anniversary Season. America's leading Shakespeare Theater curates…
Chicago Dance Crash presents expo/sd — a genre-bending, world-premiere repertory performance!
15 May 2026 in Upcoming DanceOn July 24th and 25th at 7:00 pm, Chicago Dance Crash will present expo/sd, a world premiere concert at the Ruth…
Steppenwolf Presents LAURA BENANTI: NOBODY CARES - August 6 – 9, 2026
14 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreDirect from an acclaimed run at Edinburgh Fringe and two sold-out Off-Broadway engagements, Steppenwolf Theatre is pleased to present Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, a…
BrightSide Theatre announces 2026-27 season - THE ADDAMS FAMILY, THE SECRET GARDEN: IN CONCERT, KEN LUDWIG'S BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY, and AVENUE Q
13 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBrightSide Theatre has announced its 15th season of presenting professional theatre in Naperville. Its 2026-27 mainstage slate of four productions will…
Chicago City Opera presents Strauss Masterpiece Der Rosenkavalier
13 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreChicago City Opera (CCO) presents one of late-Romantic composer Richard Strauss' most beloved works, Der Rosenkavalier. Composed by Strauss to…
The Magic Parlour Extends Through December 31! Plus Special Guest Eric Jones Joins This Summer
13 May 2026 in Now PlayingA special guest star, a new block of tickets, and more magic comes to The Magic Parlour this summer. Acclaimed third-generation Magician Dennis…
OAK PARK FESTIVAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES 51ST SEASON "HAMLET" AND "THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST"
12 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe Oak Park Festival Theatre, Oak Park's premiere Equity theatre and the oldest professional classical theatre in the Midwest, today announced…
METROPOLIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE ANNOUNCES ITS UPCOMING 2026-27 SEASON INCLUDING RIDE THE CYCLONE, THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER, DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID, THE MATCH GAME AND RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S OKLAHOMA!
12 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreMetropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights at 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce its…
Everybody Got a Secret: York Walker’s Covenant Haunts The Goodman
12 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThe Goodman Theatre’s Covenant announces York Walker as a playwright ascending rapidly into the highest tier of American theater. This…
The Real Crime Would Be To Miss This: Crime and Punishment at TUTA Theatre
11 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewReal Chicagoans don’t gatekeep hidden gems. Whether it’s hidden bars behind laundromats, the best Billy Goat location (under Mag Mile),…
American Blues Theater announces its 2026-2027 Season
11 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreAmerican Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces its 2026-2027 Season, including the world premieres of Black…
Open Space Arts to present SMILEY, an international hit from Spain, June 5-21
11 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreOpen Space Arts continues its commitment to bold, intimate theatre from around the world that celebrates queer lives and voices…
Raven Theatre Delivers a Revelatory, Unmissable Octet
11 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThere’s a rare kind of theatrical experience that transcends personal taste. Even if a genre is not typically your first…
Satire With a Sword: City Lit’s Spirited New Musical 'Scaramouche'
11 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewCity Lit Theatre is currently bringing the swordplay world of Scaramouche to vivid life, offering audiences a rare chance to…
Fallin’ to Pieces over “Always…Patsy Cline” at American Blues Theater
10 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOver the years, I’ve seen a lot of theater and a lot of musical performances. And because of that, people…
Paramount's Lush and Spectacular South Pacific Brings Island Love to Life!
10 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewRogers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific has long been one of my favorite musicals, not just for its sweeping romance and…
A Night of Honesty and Humor: Isabel Klee Talks Dogs, Boys, and Growing Up
10 May 2026 in BCS SpotlightSuccessful storytelling – the kind that makes you laugh, cry, feel empathy, and, most importantly, inspires you to get involved…
Chicago Danztheatre's Architecture of Memory Turns Personal Reflection Into Collective Catharsis
09 May 2026 in Dance in ReviewAt first glance, the performance space for Architecture of Memory feels less like a theater and more like a living…
32C This Weekend: Three Wildly Different Shows, All Worth the Trip
07 May 2026 in Now PlayingA strong Chicago theatre weekend starts with choosing your flavor, and this one offers a full flight. Whether you’re in…
Citadel Theatre announces a mix of classics and 21st Century works for its 2026–27 mainstage season
07 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreLake Forest's Citadel Theatre has announced its 2026-27 mainstage season, which will include two favorites and two acclaimed recent pieces…
Promethean Theatre Ensemble to stage modern dress adaptation of Anouilh's ANTIGONE at The Den, May 31 – June 28
06 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatrePromethean Theatre Ensemble has announced it will perform the Lewis Galantiere adaptation of Jean Anouilh's ANTIGONE, from May 31 through…
CHICAGO TAP THEATRE PRESENTS SATURN RETURNS, JUNE 11 - 14 AT THE EDGE THEATER
06 May 2026 in Upcoming DanceChicago Tap Theatre (CTT) presents Saturn Returns, directed by Molly Smith and music directed by Anaiet Soul, June 11-14 at The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway Ave.…
Chicago's Favorite Kids Show Returns This Summer The Second City's No Grown-Ups Allowed Starts June 6
04 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreYour favorite kids show is back! The Second City is excited to welcome the return of its wildly popular summer…
Asgard Amplified: Loki’s Rock Revolution at Lifeline
04 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewGet ready for a cosmic comedy of gods, monsters, and mayhem that refuses to play by the old rules. That’s…
Rom‑Com Spark and ’80s Verve Light Up Metropolis’ Wedding Singer
03 May 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThe Wedding Singer is currently onstage at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights, offering a faithful and upbeat interpretation…
E. Faye Butler directs stellar Chicago cast in comedy Nunsense this summer at Drury Lane
01 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreDrury Lane Theatre continues its 2026/2027 season with the divine extravaganza Nunsense, featuring book, music and lyrics by David Goggin, directed by E. Faye…
Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces North American Premiere production of Brokeback Mountain
01 May 2026 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces the cast and creative team for Brokeback Mountain, the North American premiere production of Ashley Robinson's adaptation of the…
Latest Articles
-
Rocky in Concert Delivers a Knockout Night Despite Technical Stumbles
Written by Ken PayneMarking Rocky’s 50th anniversary, Rocky in Concert arrived at the Auditorium Theatre in a highly anticipated Auditorium Philms presentation featuring the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra performing Bill Conti’s score live. The setup is simple but effective: the film plays above the… -
A New Home, A Necessary Warning: Timeline’s Enemy Lands Hard
Written by John AccroccoTimeline Theatre unveils their chic, new Uptown home with its inaugural production–Henrik Ibsen’s ever-relevant “An Enemy of the People”. A streamlined text by acclaimed playwright Amy Herzog cuts right to the bone in this fast-paced version straight from Broadway. It… -
C'est Drôle: Tartuffe, or, The Charlatan brings classic humor to Wrigleyville theatre
Written by Kendall RoyzenWhile many of my classmates were signing up for Spanish classes, I thought it would be terribly useful to sign up for French. French? In Southern California? What good would that possibly do? A degree and several trips to French-speaking… -
Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces 40th Anniversary Season
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Edward Hall and Executive Director Kimberly Motes announce today the company's 40th Anniversary Season. America's leading Shakespeare Theater curates a season rooted in Shakespeare and Chicago with a complement of world-class contemporary work—emblematic of the Theater's global, yet unmistakably…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.