Review: “Sunday in the Park with Lyric”

Alexis Peart and Enrique Mazzola, Photo by Kyle Flubacker

On September 7th, the holidays came early when the gift of performing arts arrived at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Chicago’s Millennium Park. “Carmen,” “Medea,” “Madama Butterfly,” “The Barber of Seville,” and so much more was previewed during the serene evening.

A massive crowd filled the outdoor seating and lawn as people gathered to witness another historic artistic moment. The event was expertly arranged in two acts that mirrored an actual opera. Delightful overtures were performed live by the elegant Lyric Opera orchestra.

Highlights from the night included The Joffrey Ballet’s hypnotizing dance for “Carmen,” Nedda! Silvio! A quest’ Ora? from Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci” and Alla bella Despinetta fron Mozart’s “Cosi fan tutte,” and Georgia on My Mind held everyone captive by the stellar vocals and dynamite chemistry between the performers. Some of the featured stars were opera singers Adia Evans (soprano), Emily Richter (soprano), Alexis Peart (mezzo-soprano), Travon D. Walker (tenor), Sankara Harouna (baritone), and Christopher Humbert, Jr. (bass-baritone). Enrique Mazzola and Chi-Yuan Lin shined as the conductors.

“Carmen” became a double treat by The Joffrey Ballet opening the event with an inspired dance number and Lyric ended the night with their own opera rendition.

The Lyric Opera of Chicago has something for everyone this year and I recommend you check out their list to see what suits you best.

The season kicks off on October 11th, 2025.

A Special Thanks to The Silverman Group and The Lyric Opera of Chicago for the invite.