Program notes
Program notes
Learn more about the artists and explore each piece of the program.
Watch now
Upcoming Dates
Swipe to view more slides
Watch now
The New Classics: Songs from the New Golden Age of Musical Theater
Take a seat, fire up your biggest screen, and experience a star-studded virtual cabaret featuring some of your favorite Broadway and Lyric voices in the comfort of your own home this June with The New Classics: Songs from the New Golden Age of Musical Theater.
You'll hear a rich variety of beloved Broadway songs, both new and old, with Emmy and Grammy-nominated David Chase (The King and I, My Fair Lady, Carousel) serving as music director and pianist, with members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra.
Streaming free on Lyric's Facebook and YouTube beginning June 10 at 7pm.
Program notes
The New Classics Articles
History of the Civic Theatre
The Lyric Opera House has been a Chicago landmark since it first opened in 1929, but did you know that the block-long Civic Opera Building originally held two theaters? Nestled behind the back wall of the Lyric Opera House, the Civic Theatre was a historical mainstay for the Chicago arts sector.
Meet the cast of The New Classics
The starry cast of new-to-Lyric and returning artists was announced for this singular evening of musical theater, which will be hosted by music director David Chase from a way back stage at the Lyric Opera House. Here’s who we can look forward to hearing and seeing.
Spotlight on David Chase
Among musical-theater professionals working on Broadway, David Chase is a legend for the diversity of his talents and the brilliance he brings to any production. He has credits as a composer, lyricist, arranger, music director/musical supervisor, conductor, and musician.
What makes a classic?
The word “classic” is thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean to call something a classic? In musical theater, does the term automatically conjure images of showgirls in a perfect kickline? Or perhaps a group of revolutionaries waving a flag? Or even the image of a man in a mask, far beneath an opulent opera house? There’s a reason so many different songs, shows, and even eras of musical theater are called classic.
The New Classics in photos
Lyric is known for its big, grand-scale Broadway productions that have concluded the mainstage seasons since 2013, but this year called for something a little different. The New Classics: Songs from the New Golden Age of Musical Theater brings a star-studded Broadway cabaret right to your living room from a cozy corner of the Lyric Opera House, featuring some of your favorite Broadway and Lyric artists. Take a look at some behind-the-scenes photos of the production.
Meet the artists
Featuring members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra
*Lyric debut
The New Classics: Songs from the New Golden Age of Musical Theater is generously made possible by
Crowe LLP
The Parr Family