Hansel and Gretel

Words like masterpiece and masterful performance are hackneyed in today's society. Instead, people over-emphasize them to a grander scale, diluting the intent of words meant to separate the grandiose from the somewhat good. However, after seeing Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, I can confidently say that it's a masterpiece and masterfully performed. Sung in German with English subtitles, this riveting opera production that debuted 20 years ago is a master class of great performances, from the impressive orchestra, superior singing, and amazing costumes.  

Published in 1812, this cannibalistic German fairy tale by the German Brothers Grimm tells a haunting story about a brother and sister (Hansel and Gretel) walking into the forest after being forced by their mother to find berries. Being mischievous, they lose their way and spend the night in the woods, tormented by unfamiliar surroundings. Hungry, they find a house made of gingerbread cake and candy, and they begin to eat the house until the Witch warms them to stop. Finally, she lures them into her home, offering delicious sweets, but she plans to fatten Hansel before eventually eating him. 

Directed by Richard Jones and led by acclaimed conductor Sir Andrew Davis, laureate of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the cast featured Samantha Hankey (Hansel), Heidi Stober(Gretel), reprising her role from Lyric's 2012 production as the Witch, Jill Grove, Alexandra LoBianco (Mother), Alfred Walker (Father), and Denis Vélez as the Sandman / Dew Fairy, this group is opera greatness at its finest. Josephine Lee (Children's Chorus Master) worked exceptionally with the children, adding gleeful joy to the night. 

Set and Costume Designer John Macfarlane's wildly outlandish 

and unbelievable oversize and outstanding props and stage design, including the industrial kitchen, with an enormous oven and the cake, offered to Hansel and Gretel sitting on a colossal tongue, aided in the visual effect of this fairy tale. The singing performances are so engaging and enthralling that even though they were sung in German, you can follow the story, but peeking at the subtitles helps. 

Ultimately, the two children escape with their lives and return home after pushing the Witch into the oven and freeing the other children prepared to be eaten by the Witch. Unfortunately, Hansel and Gretel only have a few days left, so get your tickets at the Lyric Opera of Chicago because you want to attend this production.  

Let's Play Theatrical Review Highly Recommends Hansel and Gretel at The Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The Lyric Opera of Chicago

Hansel & Gretel

By Engelbert Humperdinck

Directed by Richard Jones

JANUARY 25. 2023 - FEBRUARY 05. 2023