Rossini’s comic ‘Le Comte Ory’ a triumph at Lyric Opera of Chicago

Kathryn Lewek (from left) as Countess Adèle, Lawrence Brownlee as Count Ory and Mirco Palazzi as Tutor in “Le Comte Ory” at Lyric Opera of Chicago. (© Todd Rosenberg Photography)

After Lyric Opera of Chicago’s opening last week of its first-ever production of the 1886 five-act version of “Don Carlos,” with its intense dose of forced marriage, armed rebellion and religious oppression, the company unveiled a perfect, light-hearted contrast Sunday afternoon.

There is nothing heavy-duty about Gioachino Rossini’s “Le Comte Ory (Count Ory),” which runs for four more performances through Nov. 26. It’s a frothy, laugh-filled romp by one of opera’s greatest comedians.