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Tradition with a twist
Lyric Opera introduced Chicago audiences to director Barrie Kosky last year, when it brought his production of The Magic Flute—created for Komische Oper Berlin, where he’s been music director for a decade—to the Opera House on Wacker.
Kosky staged the Mozart favorite as a silent film.
So the announcement that Kosky’s production of Fiddler on the Roof would be part of this season’s schedule gave rise to some apprehension. His comments about previous Fiddler productions he’d found too soft and kitschy didn’t help, though he made a valid point about not wanting to romanticize conditions in the shtetls of Eastern Europe.
Fiddler on the Roof Through 10/7: Thu-Fri 9/22-9/23 7 PM, Sat 9/24 7:30 PM, Wed-Thu 9/28-9/29 2 PM, Fri 9/30 7 PM, Sun 10/2 2 PM, Thu-Fri 10/6-10/7 7 PM, Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker, lyricopera.org, 312-827-5600, $40-$330
Not to worry: Saturday night’s opening performance put those qualms to rest. Kosky has made changes, but his Fiddler is a deeply appreciative, even (where it matters) traditional, take on this musical theater masterpiece. With designer Rufus Didwiszus, he’s replaced the shtetl image (originally inspired, as was the show’s title and central metaphor, by the art of Marc Chagall) with a solution that also speaks to the problem of how to make a musical theater piece work in a vast opera house. Their strategy: pare the sets down to a single symbol. Then pack the stage with live bodies and ramp up the energy.
Anatevka—the fictional village somewhere in the 1905 Czarist Russian empire where the dairyman Tevye ekes out a living for his wife, Golde, and their five daughters (all drawn from the stories of Sholem Aleichem)—is represented by a mountainous pile of old furniture, with a hazy image of trees as background. (In the second act, with the exception of a single cabinet, even the furniture disappears; the mood on the massive stage is set by nothing but lighting and a nearly constant snowfall.) But a multitude of people pour out of that pile of dressers and cupboards, starting with Tevye himself, emerging from a cabinet that soon spills forth an entire singing, dancing village.
This magic cabinet is opened by a child, a modern kid wearing headphones, riding a scooter, perhaps on his way to or from a music lesson. In Kosky’s production, this boy is the fiddler—a pointed and literal connection to our time. It’s the riskiest change he makes in a story that, with its themes of sweeping social and generational change, persecution, and the plight of refugees, already has clear contemporary relevance. Like the magic cabinet, it could be Kosky’s own kitsch. As brought to life at Lyric, however, by remarkable local fifth-grader and violinist Drake Wunderlich, it works.
A few songs in the Jerry Bock/Sheldon Harnick score (book by Joseph Stein) are choreographed within an inch of their lives. “Matchmaker” with its terrific lyrics comes to mind. But that’s a quibble. Overall this jam-packed Fiddler is irresistibly energized, with standout dance sequences (created by Silvano Marraffa, based on the choreography of Otto Pichler and, originally, Jerome Robbins), generous use of Lyric’s wonderful chorus, and an excellent acting and singing cast headed by Steven Skybell as a richer-voiced (if more svelte) Tevye than we’re used to, and Debbie Gravitte as his long-suffering Golde. Kimberly Grigsby conducts the Lyric Opera orchestra.
Tradition with a twist Read More »
Tradition with a twistDeanna Isaacson September 21, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Lyric Opera introduced Chicago audiences to director Barrie Kosky last year, when it brought his production of The Magic Flute—created for Komische Oper Berlin, where he’s been music director for a decade—to the Opera House on Wacker.
Kosky staged the Mozart favorite as a silent film.
So the announcement that Kosky’s production of Fiddler on the Roof would be part of this season’s schedule gave rise to some apprehension. His comments about previous Fiddler productions he’d found too soft and kitschy didn’t help, though he made a valid point about not wanting to romanticize conditions in the shtetls of Eastern Europe.
Fiddler on the Roof Through 10/7: Thu-Fri 9/22-9/23 7 PM, Sat 9/24 7:30 PM, Wed-Thu 9/28-9/29 2 PM, Fri 9/30 7 PM, Sun 10/2 2 PM, Thu-Fri 10/6-10/7 7 PM, Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker, lyricopera.org, 312-827-5600, $40-$330
Not to worry: Saturday night’s opening performance put those qualms to rest. Kosky has made changes, but his Fiddler is a deeply appreciative, even (where it matters) traditional, take on this musical theater masterpiece. With designer Rufus Didwiszus, he’s replaced the shtetl image (originally inspired, as was the show’s title and central metaphor, by the art of Marc Chagall) with a solution that also speaks to the problem of how to make a musical theater piece work in a vast opera house. Their strategy: pare the sets down to a single symbol. Then pack the stage with live bodies and ramp up the energy.
Anatevka—the fictional village somewhere in the 1905 Czarist Russian empire where the dairyman Tevye ekes out a living for his wife, Golde, and their five daughters (all drawn from the stories of Sholem Aleichem)—is represented by a mountainous pile of old furniture, with a hazy image of trees as background. (In the second act, with the exception of a single cabinet, even the furniture disappears; the mood on the massive stage is set by nothing but lighting and a nearly constant snowfall.) But a multitude of people pour out of that pile of dressers and cupboards, starting with Tevye himself, emerging from a cabinet that soon spills forth an entire singing, dancing village.
This magic cabinet is opened by a child, a modern kid wearing headphones, riding a scooter, perhaps on his way to or from a music lesson. In Kosky’s production, this boy is the fiddler—a pointed and literal connection to our time. It’s the riskiest change he makes in a story that, with its themes of sweeping social and generational change, persecution, and the plight of refugees, already has clear contemporary relevance. Like the magic cabinet, it could be Kosky’s own kitsch. As brought to life at Lyric, however, by remarkable local fifth-grader and violinist Drake Wunderlich, it works.
A few songs in the Jerry Bock/Sheldon Harnick score (book by Joseph Stein) are choreographed within an inch of their lives. “Matchmaker” with its terrific lyrics comes to mind. But that’s a quibble. Overall this jam-packed Fiddler is irresistibly energized, with standout dance sequences (created by Silvano Marraffa, based on the choreography of Otto Pichler and, originally, Jerome Robbins), generous use of Lyric’s wonderful chorus, and an excellent acting and singing cast headed by Steven Skybell as a richer-voiced (if more svelte) Tevye than we’re used to, and Debbie Gravitte as his long-suffering Golde. Kimberly Grigsby conducts the Lyric Opera orchestra.
Tradition with a twistDeanna Isaacson September 21, 2022 at 1:41 pm Read More »
NBArank 25-11: These stars are knocking on the top 10 dooron September 21, 2022 at 1:36 pm
NBArank is back for its 12th season counting down the best players in the league.
Where are MVP candidates such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic? What about rookies and young stars ready to take the leap into the upper tier of NBA players?
Where is LeBron James, who is entering his 20th season?
To get the final NBArank prediction, we asked our expert panel to vote on pairs of players: LeBron vs. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry vs. Ja Morant, Luka vs. Jayson Tatum … and the list goes on.
We asked, “Which player will be better in 2022-23?” Voters had to predict what they expected from each player during the season.
We’ve already revealed players Nos. 100-26. Today, our rankings continue with players Nos. 25-11.
Note: ESPN’s NBArank panel, composed of over 200 reporters, editors, producers and analysts, were asked to rank players based on their predicted contributions — quality and quantity — for the 2022-23 season only.
NBArank 2022: Zion, Russ and players Nos. 100-26
Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images
2021 NBArank: No. 8
Why he could exceed his ranking in 2022-23: Lillard was six spots higher a year ago before being limited to 29 underwhelming games by a core muscle injury that ultimately required season-ending surgery. Lillard’s numbers dropped across the board in 2021-22, most notably his 32% accuracy from 3-point range after hitting better than 39% the previous two seasons. Lillard had been playing through pain for years until the injury worsened after the Tokyo Olympics. But he should be healthy now.
One huge question for 2022-23: How will Anfernee Simons fit with Lillard? During his absence, Lillard saw a changing of the guard next to him. Portland traded longtime backcourt mate CJ McCollum and re-signed Simons to a four-year, $100 million deal that confirms him as McCollum’s replacement. Lillard and Simons played together just 377 minutes last season, per NBA Advanced Stats, and Simons was more deferential in those pairings. The Blazers need Simons to be the scoring and playmaking complement to Lillard that McCollum long was.
— Pelton
No. 13: Karl-Anthony Towns
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves
Raptors’ Achiuwa has a ‘different mindset’ after Nigeria tripon September 21, 2022 at 9:07 am
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Drake’s basketball form is looking elite (0:56)Drake shows off some shots while playing a game of pickup basketball. (0:56)
While he is on the fence about playing for the chaotic Nigeria national team, Toronto Raptors center Precious Achiuwa is all in when it comes to the NBA, and is aiming for a Championship ring.
Achiuwa says he has done a lot of growing up since being traded to the Raptors from the Miami Heat in 2021. Thrown into the fray and expected to deliver, he appeared uncertain with the Florida side, with little latitude for error.
In Toronto, the expectations have been different, with the 22-year-old allowed the freedom to be his own person on the floor. A shaky start was erased after the All Star break, as a more confident player emerged, growing into his role within the organization.
After spending this offseason working with his trainers in the gym, and taking time off to travel to Nigeria for the first time in over seven years, Achiuwa says he is in a different headspace now, one that is geared towards winning and hopefully taking the Raptors back to the top.
“I’m in a different type of mindset right now,” he told ESPN. “I’m really focused and I understand what it takes.
“I’m ready to go out there next season and play to the best of my ability and give it my all. Definitely try to win all games and go further than we did this past season.”
Toronto Raptors center Precious Achiuwa says he is locked in and focused on an NBA Championship title, going into the new season with a revitalised mindset. Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images
That change in mindset is already evident to Raptors coach Nick Nurse, a man with an eye for talent and no stranger to spotting and shaping All Stars.
“Wait till this year because every time I see him this summer on the court, it’s total focus, total intensity,” Nurse said on a Hungarian basketball podcast.
“I mean, something happened to him where he now understands what playing in the NBA is about, and he is on a mission.”
Part of that ‘something’ appears to be the influence of Nurse himself, and the welcoming atmosphere in Toronto.
“That’s a huge compliment coming from him,” Achiuwa said in response to Nurse’s comments. “It’s great. I don’t take any opportunity for granted.
“This is an environment that allows you explore during the cause of the game and that’s really big for me. Just being a versatile, 6’9 player, they allow me explore my game, be versatile and play in different positions and different ways. That has overall helped my game.”
Off the floor, Achiuwa’s relationship with team president Masai Ujiri, who also has Nigerian heritage, has also helped.
Achiuwa said: “He has that Nigerian blood like me and it helps a lot to have someone like that who understands where you come from and the struggles you have had.”
Precious Achiuwa says Raptors coach Nick Nurse has given him the freedom to express himself on the court. Cole Burston/Getty Images
Ujiri has been going back home to help build facilities to facilitate the growth of basketball in Nigeria through his Giants of Africa program, and this offseason, Achiuwa took a similar route home to try to help youngsters.
The forward went back to his hometown of Port Harcourt, where he organized a camp for young basketball players, and a 5×5 tournament where he also played with some of his old buddies.
Not only did he find it inspiring, Achiuwa said it helped reignite his love of basketball: “The camp was a lot of fun! It was amazing, it was fire. It was the most fulfilling thing that I’ve done honestly, over getting drafted, over playing in the NBA.
2 Related
“Just being able to come back after so much time and the type of embracing love that they welcomed me with was amazing. The kids were really great. They listened, they appreciated everything, they were respectful.
“We danced a lot, we had fun when we played basketball. I just wanted them to get that feeling that basketball is a really beautiful game. We play really, really, really beautiful sport.
“You have to enjoy yourself while you playing the game of basketball and that’s the kind of atmosphere that we created and it made me appreciate the fun of just playing basketball.”
The trip also proved to be an intensely humbling experience for the big man: “Looking at the kids was very humbling. Just to see where I am at, compared to where I came from, which is where they are now.
“I saw lots of talent in the kids. A lot of kids that could really play and have good really good feel for the game. They are really talented, athletic, could jump, could move, could run fast.
“The only thing missing is the right infrastructure in Africa, Nigeria, not just my home town. I feel if we have the right infrastructure, that could help us a lot.”
Team USA’s Kevin Durant found himself on the receiving end of a mighty block by Nigeria’s Precious Achiuwa, which sent him crashing into the protective padding around the court. Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Achiuwa’s passion for the country is obvious, and showed when he represented Nigeria at the Olympic Games.
One of the highlights – a rarity in recent times — of Nigerian basketball over the last two years was that stunning upset win over Team USA in a pre-Olympic friendly in Vegas. And an iconic moment of that win was rookie Precious climbing high for an emphatic rejection on veteran Kevin Durant.
That high was followed by the lows of logistics issues at the Games, and then a spiral into administrative and political conflict which has set Nigerian basketball back and led to the women’s team being thrown out of the World Cup after the Nigerian government decided to withdraw the country from international basketball.
With all these issues plaguing Nigerian basketball, Achiuwa says he is uncertain whether he still wants to represent the country at this time.
“I’m still deciding on that,” he said. “I haven’t made a decision yet. Right now, I just want to focus on what I am doing and see what happens.”
That decision may be not be made for a while. Nigeria are in danger of not qualifying for the FIBA World Cup, and would need a miracle to do so. That will also compromise their chances of qualifying for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.
But Achiuwa is not thinking that far ahead just yet. For now, he just wants to establish himself as a Raptor starter and take them all the way to the ‘ship.
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Blue Hour, financial advice, free store, and concerts
The Chicago Poetry Center kicks off another season of Blue Hour tonight. Blue Hour is an in-person series of readings by poets, largely Chicago-based, followed by community gathering time. The readings are preceded by a limited space one-hour guided writing workshop using an exploratory prompt drawn from themes of the work of one of the evening’s featured writers. Tonight’s 6 PM workshop is already booked up, but sign up at Eventbrite if you want a spot on the waiting list (a $10 donation to CPC is suggested). There’s a separate Eventbrite to reserve a spot in the audience for the free reading event at 7:30 PM; featured readers are queer Afro-Latinx activist, interdisciplinary artist, and author of HoodWitch Faylita Hicks and Oak Park poet and editor Hila Ratzabi. Everything takes place at Haymarket House (800 W. Buena). (SCJ)
How do you plan for saving while looking at the realities of a recession? Maybe you’re making a little bit of money now—so how do you spend it? And what’s all this “volatile markets” stuff anyway? If you’re not quite ready to chuck it all and build a tree fort on public lands yet, consider attending tonight’s FinGym on the Road: Chicago Edition (6 PM at the Dandy Crown, 694 N. Milwaukee). The Financial Gym is a startup offering online financial planning services, and founder Shannon McLay and her financial trainer colleagues will offer conversation and financial literacy training, along with some free drinks and snacks. Register at Eventbrite to attend, and don’t forget to tip your wait staff—they have financial futures to plan for too! (SCJ)
Are you or someone you know looking for more ways to find free stuff online? Then check out this free class hosted through People Over Profit and HP Solidarity Network at the Casa Hernandez Community Space & Free Store (3519 W. North). All you need is a laptop or smart device, and from 7:30-9 PM, a volunteer who’s an expert in digital scavenging will share all their latest and greatest tips for getting sick stuff at no cost. (MC)
A few concerts tonight featuring musicians and ensembles we’ve previously enjoyed . . . at 8:30 PM, longtime Chicago experimental stalwarts Mako Sica open for Amsterdam’s Mauskovic Dance Band. Cabeza De Chivo rounds out the bill at Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western; tickets at Eventbrite). Chicago cellist Helen Money performs as part of Constellation’s (3111 N. Western) ONEderful series, which features artists in short sets with minimal set-up. Bassist and vocalist Katie Ernst and woodwind improviser Emily Beisel are also on the bill, which starts at 8:30 PM (tickets available at See Tickets). At 9 PM, Chicago indie-rock band Girl K is on the bill supporting the Winnipeg band Living Hour; Toosh opens, and tickets are available through Sleeping Village’s website (they’re at 3734 W. Belmont). And the longtime New York postpunk band Live Skull hits the Hideout tonight. Local supergroup Lilac (featuring occasional Reader contributor Anya Davidson) and Chicago punks Geezer Senior open. The show starts at 9:30 PM at 1354 W. Wabansia. (SCJ)
Blue Hour, financial advice, free store, and concerts Read More »
Blue Hour, financial advice, free store, and concertsMicco Caporale and Salem Collo-Julinon September 21, 2022 at 2:45 am
The Chicago Poetry Center kicks off another season of Blue Hour tonight. Blue Hour is an in-person series of readings by poets, largely Chicago-based, followed by community gathering time. The readings are preceded by a limited space one-hour guided writing workshop using an exploratory prompt drawn from themes of the work of one of the evening’s featured writers. Tonight’s 6 PM workshop is already booked up, but sign up at Eventbrite if you want a spot on the waiting list (a $10 donation to CPC is suggested). There’s a separate Eventbrite to reserve a spot in the audience for the free reading event at 7:30 PM; featured readers are queer Afro-Latinx activist, interdisciplinary artist, and author of HoodWitch Faylita Hicks and Oak Park poet and editor Hila Ratzabi. Everything takes place at Haymarket House (800 W. Buena). (SCJ)
How do you plan for saving while looking at the realities of a recession? Maybe you’re making a little bit of money now—so how do you spend it? And what’s all this “volatile markets” stuff anyway? If you’re not quite ready to chuck it all and build a tree fort on public lands yet, consider attending tonight’s FinGym on the Road: Chicago Edition (6 PM at the Dandy Crown, 694 N. Milwaukee). The Financial Gym is a startup offering online financial planning services, and founder Shannon McLay and her financial trainer colleagues will offer conversation and financial literacy training, along with some free drinks and snacks. Register at Eventbrite to attend, and don’t forget to tip your wait staff—they have financial futures to plan for too! (SCJ)
Are you or someone you know looking for more ways to find free stuff online? Then check out this free class hosted through People Over Profit and HP Solidarity Network at the Casa Hernandez Community Space & Free Store (3519 W. North). All you need is a laptop or smart device, and from 7:30-9 PM, a volunteer who’s an expert in digital scavenging will share all their latest and greatest tips for getting sick stuff at no cost. (MC)
A few concerts tonight featuring musicians and ensembles we’ve previously enjoyed . . . at 8:30 PM, longtime Chicago experimental stalwarts Mako Sica open for Amsterdam’s Mauskovic Dance Band. Cabeza De Chivo rounds out the bill at Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western; tickets at Eventbrite). Chicago cellist Helen Money performs as part of Constellation’s (3111 N. Western) ONEderful series, which features artists in short sets with minimal set-up. Bassist and vocalist Katie Ernst and woodwind improviser Emily Beisel are also on the bill, which starts at 8:30 PM (tickets available at See Tickets). At 9 PM, Chicago indie-rock band Girl K is on the bill supporting the Winnipeg band Living Hour; Toosh opens, and tickets are available through Sleeping Village’s website (they’re at 3734 W. Belmont). And the longtime New York postpunk band Live Skull hits the Hideout tonight. Local supergroup Lilac (featuring occasional Reader contributor Anya Davidson) and Chicago punks Geezer Senior open. The show starts at 9:30 PM at 1354 W. Wabansia. (SCJ)
Listen to The Ben Joravsky Show
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Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.
The choice is yours, voters
MAGA’s Illinois Supreme Court nominees are poised to outlaw abortion in Illinois—if, gulp, they win.
Hocus-pocus
All the usual TIF lies come out on both sides in the debate for and against the Red Line extension.
State of anxiety
Darren Bailey’s anti-Semitic abortion rhetoric is part of a larger MAGA election strategy. Sad to say, so far it’s worked.
Listen to The Ben Joravsky Show Read More »
Get the Chicago Reader in print every other week
Many Reader boxes including downtown and transit line locations will be restocked on the Wednesday following each issue date.
The latest issue
The issue of September 15, 2022, is out now. It’s the Reader‘s big Fall Theater & Arts Preview special issue. Distribution of print copies to these locations began yesterday morning and will continue through tonight, Thursday, September 15.
Next issue
The next print issue will be the issue of September 29.
Distribution map
The Chicago Reader is published in print every other week and distributed free to the 1,100 locations on this map (which can also be opened in a separate window or tab). Copies are available free of charge—while supplies last.
Never miss a copy! Paid print subscriptions are available for 12 issues, 26 issues, and for 52 issues from the Reader Store.
Chicago Reader 2022 print issue dates
The Chicago Reader is published in print every other week. Issues are dated Thursday. Distribution usually happens Wednesday morning through Thursday night of the issue date. Upcoming print issue dates through December 2022 are:
9/29/202210/13/202210/27/202211/10/202211/24/202212/8/202212/22/2022
Download the full 2022 editorial calendar is here (PDF).
See our information page for advertising opportunities.
2023 print issue dates
The first print issue in 2023 will be published three weeks after the 12/22/2022 issue, the final issue of 2022. The print issue dates through June 2023 are:
1/12/20231/26/20232/9/20232/23/20233/9/20233/23/20234/6/20234/20/20235/4/20235/18/20236/1/20236/15/20236/29/2023
Related
Enrique Limón named Editor in Chief of Chicago Reader
Limón will start October 3.
Chicago Reader hires social justice reporter
Debbie-Marie Brown fills this position made possible by grant funding from the Field Foundation.
Get the Chicago Reader in print every other week Read More »
Get the Chicago Reader in print every other weekChicago Readeron September 21, 2022 at 12:49 am
Many Reader boxes including downtown and transit line locations will be restocked on the Wednesday following each issue date.
The latest issue
The issue of September 15, 2022, is out now. It’s the Reader‘s big Fall Theater & Arts Preview special issue. Distribution of print copies to these locations began yesterday morning and will continue through tonight, Thursday, September 15.
Next issue
The next print issue will be the issue of September 29.
Distribution map
The Chicago Reader is published in print every other week and distributed free to the 1,100 locations on this map (which can also be opened in a separate window or tab). Copies are available free of charge—while supplies last.
Never miss a copy! Paid print subscriptions are available for 12 issues, 26 issues, and for 52 issues from the Reader Store.
Chicago Reader 2022 print issue dates
The Chicago Reader is published in print every other week. Issues are dated Thursday. Distribution usually happens Wednesday morning through Thursday night of the issue date. Upcoming print issue dates through December 2022 are:
9/29/202210/13/202210/27/202211/10/202211/24/202212/8/202212/22/2022
Download the full 2022 editorial calendar is here (PDF).
See our information page for advertising opportunities.
2023 print issue dates
The first print issue in 2023 will be published three weeks after the 12/22/2022 issue, the final issue of 2022. The print issue dates through June 2023 are:
1/12/20231/26/20232/9/20232/23/20233/9/20233/23/20234/6/20234/20/20235/4/20235/18/20236/1/20236/15/20236/29/2023
Related
Enrique Limón named Editor in Chief of Chicago Reader
Limón will start October 3.
Chicago Reader hires social justice reporter
Debbie-Marie Brown fills this position made possible by grant funding from the Field Foundation.