Blue,” the opera by composer Jeanine Tesori and librettist Tazewell Thompson, was to be part of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 2019–20 season, but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Shiela’s eyes widened at the news. Of course, Sheila was “very proud” of Ashley for continuing to persevere through the difficult process, which began when Ashley went public with the split in April ...