Lyric Opera 2025-2026 Issue 11 - safronia

15 | Lyric Opera of Chicago safronia World premiere | Opera in English in two acts Commissioned by Lyric Opera of Chicago Music & Libretto by avery r. young Orchestrations by Paul Byssainthe, Jr. April 17 & 18, 2026 CHARACTERS IN ORDER OF VOCAL APPEARANCE safronia booker Meaghan McNeal + baar booker avery r. young magnolia booker Maiesha McQueen + booker family Sydney Charles + Bailey Haynes + Miciah Lathan + Eric Andrew Lewis + Renelle Nicole + Jessica Seals + Maxel McCloud Schingen + Kendal Marie Wilson + bossman Jeff Parker king willie tate Lorenzo Rush, Jr. + cholly Zachary James + Conductor Paul Byssainthe, Jr. + Director Timothy Douglas + Costume Designer Jessica Jahn Lighting Designer Jason Lynch + Sound Designer Stephanie Farina + Video Designer VAM Studio + Choreographer Kia Smith + Wig & Makeup Designer John Metzner Assistant Director Katrina Bachus Stage Manager Rachel A.Tobias Musical Preparation William C. Billingham Morgan E. Stevenson + Fight & Intimacy Director Chels Morgan + Projected English Titles Luther H. Lewis III •• First performed by Lyric Opera of Chicago on April 17,2026. + Lyric debut •• Alumnus, The Patrick G.and Shirley W.Ryan Opera Center