May blossoms with bouquets of music and theater

The following is a look forward and back to some of the best in Chicago music and theater.

Lyric Opera

The world premiere of "Proximity," a trio of new American operas, proved to be a landmark at Lyric. Set in Chicago and woven into one by director Yuval Sharon, the evening blended outstanding singing, acting, and stagecraft most masterfully.

"The Walkers" (music by Daniel Berand Roumain), "Four Portraits" (music by Caroline Shaw), and "Night" (music by John Luther Adams) included real-life characters like Arnie Duncan. They delved into real-life issues, including loneliness and gun violence. The Lyric orchestra, conducted by Kazem Abdullah, was a powerful partner.

"Carmen," perhaps the most popular of all operas, really sparkled with J'Nai Bridges in the title role, Charles Castronovo as the lovesick Don Jose, and Golda Schultz as a winning Micaela. It was good to see the traditional settings in Seville. The direction of Marie Lambert-Le Bihan was spot-on, and the orchestra was exhilarating with conductor Henrik Nanasi.

Lyric is preparing for the Bernstein classic "West Side Story" June 2-25. Visit lyricopera.org for tickets.

Chicago Symphony orchestra

Fresh from a western winter tour that won rave reviews, the CSO is back in top form. Riccardo Muti will lead the CSO in a program of Wagner, Montgomery, and Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2 on the evenings of May 11, 13, and 16, plus May 12 at 1:30.

Muti will then lead the orchestra in a program of Cimarosa and Mozart on the evenings of May 18, 20, and 22, plus May 19 at 1:30. Visit cso.org. (312) 294-3000.

Orion Ensemble

The esteemed group concludes its 30th anniversary season with an all-Schubert program, including pianist Diana Schmuck performing several Schubert songs transcribed by Franz Liszt, distinguished guest artists, and the amazing Schubert Octet. May 17 at 7:30 at PianoForte Studios, 1335 S. Michigan Avenue. For tickets visit: orionensemble.org.

Goodman Theater

Everyone agrees that Chekhov was a great playwright, but few seem to agree on the best way to play him, a question that was considered recently in the award-winning movie "Drive My Car." The last time I saw "The Cherry Orchard," years ago at a different theater, I found it unrelievedly dreary.

But Chekov himself saw the play as more of a comedy, and director Robert Falls's fine adaptation and direction brilliantly brings out the play's best comic and tragic aspects. Francis Guinan, Kareem Bandealy, and Kate Fry are just three of the splendid cast.

Goodman is now preparing "Antonio's Song, I was Dreaming of a Son" by Dael Orlandersmith and Antonio Edwards Suarez. Ranging from the streets of Brooklyn to a Russian ballet-training studio, the play mixes music, poetry, movement, and projected imagery to explore art, culture, and family issues. Through May 28. For tickets visit: GoodmanTheatre.org. (312) 443-3800.

Remy-Bumppo Theater

Consistently among the best Chicago theaters, Remy-Bumppo remains the most oddly named: it was thus dubbed for two of the founder's pets! They are presenting the world premiere of "Galileo's Daughter" by Jessica Dickey.

Directed by Marti Lyons and alternating between past and present timelines, the show involves a conflicted playwright who goes to Florence to study the letters between Galileo and his eldest daughter. Through May 14 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont. Visit remybumppo.org for tickets.

Nederlander Theater

Broadway in Chicago presents Stephen Sondheim's famous take on classic fairy tales in "Into the Woods" through May 7 at the magnificent Nederlander Theater, 24 W. Randolph. For tickets visit: broadwayinchicago.com.

Steppenwolf Theater

Steppenwolf Theater presents the bold drama "Last Night and the Night Before" by Donnetta Lavinia Gray through May 14. 1650 N. Halsted. For tickets visit: steppenwolf.org. (312) 335-1650.