Opera Collides With Clowns In Strauss' Ariadne Auf Naxos!

Richard Strauss' self-referential comedic masterpiece gets a fresh interpretation at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, opening for a strictly limited season in March 2027! Presenting a highly serious opera that somehow accidentally ends up on stage with a troupe of riotous clowns, Ariadne Auf Naxos is a delightful and whip-smart de-construction of opera as an art form.

What Is The Story?

One of the richest men in Vienna is putting on one hell of a party. He's hired two completely opposed groups to perform at his soiree - a self-serious opera company with high ideals, and a bawdy group of comedians. After the dinner runs late, there's only time for one performance. But the host wants to see both. Hence, a perfect solution presents itself: perform them at the same time. Cue an absolute firestorm of clashing artistic ideals, egos, and a night set for abject chaos. Who's ready for a show?