In rags or riches, love is magic.

A magical opera with jaw-dropping singing, considered a crown jewel of bel canto opera, Rossini's glittery version of the fairytale classic lets our heroine drive her own fate—no fairy godmother needed. It's not just beauty that wins the prince's heart (though she does get a stunning gown); instead, love and kindness triumph over greed and vanity. Rossini's signature mix of vocal virtuosity, lyrical beauty, and zany hijinks brings this sweet tale to life.

In this brand-new production, built by local artists in Lyric Opera’s scene shop, our Director, Michael Shell, along with Set Designer Steven C. Kemp and Costume Designer Amanda Seymour, amplifies this story’s playfulness with a sparkling Wes Anderson-inspired production.

A pure heart, betrayed

Through a heartless marriage of convenience, American naval officer Lieutenant Pinkerton ensnares young Cio-Cio-San (Butterfly), leading her to a tragic and profoundly unjust fate. A masterpiece of Italian opera, Madame Butterfly‘s lush score and timeless exploration of love, betrayal, and cultural clash soars with operatic grandeur. The enduring power of Butterfly lies in its ability to touch the deepest corners of the human heart, leaving audiences devastated.

Love brings hope

Presented for the first time in Lyric Opera history, Porgy and Bess is the essential American opera. The source of some of the twentieth century's most beloved songs—including “Summertime”—this jazzy Gershwin score is unforgettable. The opera paints a vivid picture of life in the Charleston neighborhood Catfish Row, where a poignant “opposites attract” romance unfolds alongside a powerful portrait of a community that unites in the face of tragedy and triumph.

An American dream, broken

We end our season with a powerful adaptation of Steinbeck's classic novella by the father of American opera, Carlisle Floyd. Of Mice and Men delves deep into the American psyche and experience of the 1930s and brings to life the unbreakable bond between George and Lennie, migrant farm workers, striving for the American Dream. Directed by Kristine McIntyre, our production uses projections to immerse the audience in Lennie's perspective, blending intimate humanity with cinematic scope in a gripping, tragic journey.

This brand-new production is co-produced by Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Houston Grand Opera, Florida State University, and Des Moines Metro Opera.