My opening night!

Yesterday I went to go see The Magic Flute which was really enjoyable.  The three ladies sounded so good!!! And the queen of the night was so stunning in both of her arias (and she's so nice in person!).  I don't think it's possible to have a more creepy Monostatos, and Sarastro's low notes were beyond impressive.  Then (of course) Pamina and Tamino were wonderful.  The show stealer (as with most productions) was Papageno, his acting was superb and so hilarious through the entire show. 

Then after a quick dinner I went to go keep warming up and get ready for the opening night for the starboard cast where I sing Antonia's Mother.  I felt pretty good about it but then we heard that the magazine Opera Canada was going to be there, that's when the nerves started to hit a little bit more.  Opera Canada is sort of a mix between the american magazines Classical Singer and Opera News...so while no one I know would actually be reading the review...I still want the review to be good.

The biggest problem with the role of Antonia and Antonia's Mother is that you are waiting for so long.  It takes me literally an hour TOPS to get ready, so the rest of the time I'm sitting there.  I snuck out during the 2nd act to sing a little bit more just to remind myself that "Oh yea...you have a voice...it's still there" and then finally act 3 arrived.  Beth delivered a PERFECT "Elle a fui" and before I knew it, it was time for the trio.  Now...the trio itself (for me) is not that hard...BUT the first note of the trio is.  You have to pull a D# out of thin air which sits ever so nicely on the passagio (sarcasm).  But last night David sang "Ecoute" and I walked out and those D#'s calling Antonia's name came out so wonderfully, probably (for me) the best they've sounded since I've been here.  After those D#'s its all a downhill ride where you can really just sing.  And by the end of the trio when Antonia is actually dying because of myself and Dr. Miracle, and then we walk off stage in triumph, the entire front row was in tears.  Really amazing.

I really do love that after the shows a lot of The Magic Flute cast is waiting outside to congratulate everyone.  Literally as soon as you open the door from the backstage area there is a burst of applause and hugs, it's really been a great environment to work in.  It's not with every show that you have this kind of support from fellow musicians.

After such a great performance by the entire cast (really...it was phenomenal) I am VERY excited to see the review from Opera Canada.  While I'm not anticipating being praised, I really do think that they had to have liked the show.  The other reviewer came to the first nights show and if you are interested in reading his review here is the link: http://thechronicleherald.ca/ArtsLife/1257145.html

P.S. My blogging was just RUDELY interrupted by a fire alarm in my building where I had to walk down 19 flights of stairs because some jerk on my floor burnt his toast.

Day 23: A picture of your favorite book.

(as IF I can pick just one)

As well as (but not limited to): Fight Club, Choke, Water for Elephants, Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Jane Eyre, Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, The Hunger Games, Looking for Alaska, Angels and Demons, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress...the list goes on.