As part of the 2025-26 season, the Lyric Opera Chicago presents Coco In Concert Live to Film, where the Lyric Opera Orchestra plays the entirety of the film’s score during the Disney Pixar classic Coco. I’ve experienced a few of these performances in the past, having seen Nightmare Before Christmas at the Auditorium Theatre, but Coco holds a special place in my heart coming from a Latin heritage as well as having fond memories of watching this movie with my own child. Still, any time spent at the Lyric really is something special.
Coco is the story of a young boy who aspires to be a musician but his dreams are quickly shut down by his family, so in a fit of rebellion, he runs away and ends up in the land of the dead that mirrors a Dia de Los Muertos celebration. The movie puts the Dia de Los Muertos traditions on full display and acts as a primer for the culture that surrounds it. It’s musical, whimsical and dramatic in the best possible Pixar Disney Pixar way, that always caused my young one to be on the edge of her seat through its entire run time.
Now that it’s playing at the Lyric, what would normally be a sophisticated affair is transformed into a family event, and the adjustment was a breath of fresh air. Families turned out in droves, dressed to impress, and ready for a great time. There was wine, coffee, signature Coco-themed cocktails, and loads of snacks for the little ones. Of course you’re paying premium prices, but I would expect no less from downtown Chicago. Seats are comfortable and on the night we attended, the theater was filled all the way to the balconies with excited families, ready for the show to begin.
The Lyric Opera Orchestra played in full tune with the film, at some points so seamless that it was hard to tell where the live music started and the movie ended. That is quite a compliment, though it was very apparent when dialogue would kick in and the echo effect of the venue proved not kind to the movie. Still, it’s a small complaint to what was an overall fantastic experience. As someone who is forced to go to many children’s movies in theaters with my young one, I found this audience was incredibly well behaved. Crowd reactions were exactly what you’d expect, cheering during the exciting moments, sounds of sadness during the more emotional scenes. I, for one, do have a soft spot for one particular scene that has a tendency to elicit/instill a few tears, and last night was no different.
The entire event lasted a little over two hours including an intermission, and the Lyric was looking great, including multiple photo ops with branded banners in the main thoroughfare. The crowd participation combined with the overall vibe of the event made for something really special. Coco is a special film when it comes to explaining and sharing the Dia de Los Muertos culture, but even more so when it comes to such a mainstream event. It’s important, now more than ever; and the Lyric should be celebrated. Now, let’s get un poco loco together.
Coco In Concert Live to Film screens again at Lyric Opera of Chicago (20 N. Wacker Drive) on Saturday, October 18. Tickets are $46-$199 and available online.
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