Die Frau Ohne Schatten -The Woman without a Shadow

When Richard Strauss’s opera «The Woman without a Shadow» was first performed in Vienna back in 1919– it was not well received by either the audiences or the critics. It’s flow was considered cumbersome by most. However– today Die Frau is considered one of Strauss’s greatest works.
Given that it is not as popular as other opera’s that even laymen would recognize (La Boheme, La Traviata, etc.) many opera theaters are not doing this work. In fact– it could be 20 years again before this show is seen in Chicago.
Basically– the story is about an empress who needs to get a shadow (euphemism for getting pregnant) or her husband will be turned to stone. She travels to the human world to do this and finds a woman who will gladly trade in her shadow for wealth. The issue? The human woman is married and her husband wants kids of his own thereby creating a moral dilemma as if she gives up her shadow– she will not be able to bear children any longer.
The story line is brought to life by the 100 piece orchestra accompanying it and the story just flies by. The range of the singers who are delivering this show is incredible and just a delight to listen to. And just know– that this opera is not for the «faint of seat». It runs for almost 4 hours!
If you get a chance– put Die Frau on your list to enjoy. There are shows through the end of December.