Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

In “Liliom,” making its Chicago premiere at the Joffrey, the soundtrack is as ambitious as the steps

suntimes.com · 5h · first reportShare

Earlier this week at the Lyric Opera House, the stage was set for the Joffrey Ballet’s “Liliom,” a story ballet receiving its American-company premiere. A small carousel sat, unrevolving, to the audience’s right, and a lonely bench at the left. Upstage from the center-stage dance floor and perched above where the action would unfold, a platform housed a big band of 15 musicians. “This is where the dancers start looking for downbeats,” said Nathan Brock, the conductor. He was addressing not just the big band, but also a more standard 50-plus-member orchestra, nestled in its customary place in the pit. Brock was situated a long way from the band, and they were about to wrestle with the disparity in the speed of light and the speed of sound. Green Room Newsletter You’re subscribed! Please check your inbox for your confirmation. Stay ahead of what’s hitting Chicago stages, galleries, museums and more with Green Room, WBEZ’s weekly arts & culture newsletter! Sorry, there was an error regist