Almost there...

These last weeks have been so much fun! I've never been so involved with the creative aspects of the opera, and it has been SUCH a gas! Yesterday I got to watch an Act I run-through - this is going to be SUCH a funny opera! Ross (Halper, Stage Director) has been doing some amazing things with his staging. I won't give it away, but you really should come see it.

Understand, I don't actually DO anything on the creative side - but I am helping administer, and being kept apprised of everything that is going on.

I love to listen to early rehearsals - and know that the great things we're hearing are just a fraction of the final performance. When dress rehearsals come and the singers really sing full voice - oh my, what a treat.

The artists arrive...

Yesterday was the day most of our artists arrived - getting settled, meeting their homestay hosts, getting acquainted. Our Meet 'n Greet was last evening, very convivial! I really enjoyed the opportunity to chat in a relaxed way with everyone, get reacquainted with those I know, meet those I don't. There are so many stories behind each person here - a roomful of stories - so I'm asking the cast if they are interested in posting here. What does my audience think of the idea?

Ramping up for Figaro

It's always SO exciting when we're getting to the countdown for our next opera. In this case, it's especially fun because I have such a learning curve when it comes to production questions - although I am not involved in the actual production, I just love learning about the process, and I am lucky enough to be able to be a 'fly on the wall' in production meetings and copied on emails. You'd be amazed at the level of commitment and excitement that I feel from these emails. And the myriad of details - oh my!

And then there's MY part of preparing for the production - the unenviable tasks of asking for underwriting in a time when the stock market has everyone very worried about the near future. I do love the fact that our patrons are all willing to help where they can - almost none have said no, and many who have never given or not for several years are deciding to support us this year. I am really grateful! We still have quite a ways to go, and not much time to get there, so wish me luck!