Salome At Lyric Opera Of Chicago

Chicago, October 28, 2006, Last night Lyric Opera of Chicago put on a new production of Salome. This new version was an outstanding success. In every way the performance was a breath of fresh air.

In the cast were Deborah Voigt (Salome), Kim Begley, Alan Held, and Judith Forst. Sir Andrew Davis conducted.

The set was in a contemporary vein. The center of the stage had as a focal point a large inverted cone that opened in an upward manner. The material that made the set was all shear and you are able to see through it. This made the entire affect of the scene open and fresh. The overall tone of the set was beige but when the mood changed the lighting was able to carry the mood due to the light nature of the screen.

Deborah Voigt was outstanding in her role as Salome. She was able to give to the audience what they wanted. Her grace, polish and regal style made her the undisputed star of the show. Kim Begley (Herod) had the house in awe with his fabulous entry with a peacock robe and complimenting crown with radiating peacock feathers – it was a show stopper!

If there is one thing that can be said for the wonderful production it is that it had a fabulous array of costumes. Your eye never ceased to be satisfied with finery at every point in the opera. The clothing really complimented the sets to make the scene exotic.

Sir Andrew was at his best and he really was able to come through for the voices. Strauss’s music is not easy to conduct or sing, however, Sir Andrew made it seem natural. All in all the production was outstanding.