PRESS RELEASE: 42ND STREET single tickets on sale now!

CHICAGO (3/4/2019) – Lyric Opera of Chicago announced today that audiences are now able to purchase single tickets to Lyric’s premiere of the Broadway classic and new-to-Chicago production of 42nd Street.

Based on the book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, with music by Harry Warren, and lyrics by Al Dubin, this Tony-winning musical spectacular will continue Lyric’s tradition of presenting Broadway treasures in larger-than-life productions.

42nd Street will run from May 29 through June 21, 2020, with tickets starting at $26. Tickets are available at lyricopera.org/42ndstreet or by calling Audience Services at 312-827-5600.

The show’s original Broadway production triumphed, captivating audiences in a run that lasted nearly nine years. It won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1980 and the Olivier Award in the same category for the London premiere production in 1984.

"We are thrilled to be presenting 42nd Street to our audiences next spring" said Lyric’s General Director, President and CEO Anthony Freud. "This terrific production continues Lyric’s tradition of staging beloved Broadway musicals on a scale that is rarely seen. Anyone who is looking forward to seeing West Side Story on the Lyric stage in a few months should take the opportunity now to reserve their seats for 42nd Street and experience this extraordinary new-to-Chicago production."

42nd Street is the story of Peggy Sawyer, an aspiring actress from Allentown, Pennsylvania, who gets her big break and rises from chorus girl to star status overnight. The musical is filled with unforgettable songs, including "We’re in the Money," "You’re Getting to Be a Habit with Me," "Sunny Side to Every Situation," and many others. This high-energy production is as beautiful to see as it is to hear. A tap dancing ensemble of 30 phenomenal artists will bring this story to life, joined by members of the Lyric Opera Chorus and Orchestra. Casting will be announced at a later date.

All making their Lyric debuts, the 42nd Street creative team have extensive international experience on Broadway, in theater, and opera. Director and choreographer Stephen Mear is acclaimed for his productions, some of which include Guys and Dolls at Royal Albert Hall, Die Fledermaus at The Metropolitan Opera, and Sunset Boulevard on Broadway. Set and costume designer Peter McKintosh has designed shows on Broadway, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Old Vic, and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Lighting designer Chris Davey has designed for major international theaters such as The Old Vic, Théâtre du Châtelet, and Royal Albert Hall.

Single tickets for 42nd Street can be purchased at lyricopera.org/42ndstreet or by calling Audience Services at 312-827-5600.

About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago’s mission is to express and promote the life-changing, transformational, revelatory power of great opera. Lyric exists to provide a broad, deep, and relevant cultural service to Chicago and the nation, and to advance the development of the art form.

Founded in 1954, Lyric is dedicated to producing and performing consistently thrilling, entertaining, and thought-provoking opera with a balanced repertoire of core classics, lesser-known masterpieces, and new works; to creating an innovative and wide-ranging program of community engagement and educational activities; and to developing exceptional emerging operatic talent.

Under the leadership of general director, president & CEO Anthony Freud, music director Sir Andrew Davis, and creative consultant Renée Fleming, Lyric strives to become The Great North American Opera Company for the 21st century: a globally significant arts organization embodying the core values of excellence, relevance, and fiscal responsibility.

To learn more about Lyric’s current season, go to lyricopera.org. You can also join the conversation with @LyricOpera on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. #Lyric1819 #LongLivePassion

Photo: Marie-Noëlle Robert/Théâtre du Châtelet

This production was originally created by the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Based on the novel by Bradford Ropes. Original direction and dances by Gower Champion. Originally produced on Broadway by David Merrick. The use of all songs is by arrangement with Warner Bros. the owner of music publishers’ rights.

Lyric presentation of Warren’s 42nd Street generously made possible by Lead Sponsor The Negaunee Foundation and cosponsors an Anonymous Donor, and Donna Van Eekeren and Dale Connelly.

Major in-kind audio support provided by Shure Incorporated.