Lyric Theatre’s ‘Viva Verdi’ Opens Thursday At Krannert Center

Lyric Theatre at Illinois’ production of “Viva Verdi” opens tonight Thursday at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Illinois Urbana campus.

This production is a bit different than most shows from the Lyric Theatre, as it’s a bit of a “greatest hits” show, featuring Lyric Theatre students, the U of I Symphony Orchestra, and the U of I Oratorio Society performing some of the best known arias from Verdi and other Italian opera composers.

Several performers came to WILL’s Studio F to give us a taste of “Viva Verdi.”  In order, you'll hear Adeline McKinley perform "Vissi D'arte," Jen Wiggins sing "Stride la Vampa," and tenors Noel Jones, Eric Mendoza and William Duke sing a "Neopolitan Medley."  You'll also hear director Kyle Thomas, general director of Lyric Theatre Nathan Gunn, and clinical assistant professor of Lyric Theatre Michael Tilley discuss the production.