Last evening was a wonderful night, on two counts. I have been waiting for these things for a long time, and it was magical. First, Seattle Opera had the first of two dress-rehearsals. We were finally all in make-up, costume, and worked with the orchestra, full lighting, sound effects, and staging. The dress rehearsal was open to guests, and we had a nice-sized audience. It was the first time I have been on stage since doing "Anything Goes" in high school. For all of the other performers, it was just "run-of-the-mill", but it was sort of magical for me. The show went well (there were a couple of really minor glitches, but I am not sure most people noticed). All of the cast has to be dark-skinned for the run of the show, and most people, including myself, chose to do the spray tanning (Mystic Tan). I was sprayed last night prior to the show, and came out REEEAAAAALLLLLYYYY dark. It made my eyes pop because they were so light compared to my skin, LOL. I was able to shower at midnight, and much of the orange-brown ooze washed off, so now I look like I have just spent two weeks in the tropics. :)
Anyway, the real highlight of the whole night, though, was having Emily come to the show. She was giddy with excitement the whole drive down. I have let her share her experience below, but have to include a couple of things that I thought were priceless. I told her the story of the opera during the drive down, making sure she knew where I was going to be on stage, what things were going to happen, etc. So she was really excited to see everything. I called Chris at the first intermission, and he handed the phone over to Emily. She immediately squealed! First she said that she LOVED the dancers; then she said that she LOVED the little girl who plays my daughter (a supernumerary - she doesn't sing)and she said she wants to be the girl's friend, and that she wants to be in a show, too. I asked her if she liked the principal singers, and she just replied with a question: "Mom, are those guys' muscles real?" (The men are all shirtless in the show - chorus and principals). I told her they were their real muscles, and in this quivery voice she replied, "Oooooooooooooooooo". I burst out laughing; it was the funniest thing ever! Then, right before we hung up, she said, "Mom, I am really proud that you're my mom and that my mom is on that stage". Ok, she is now my favorite child! :)
I called her at the second intermission, expecting a big reaction to the amazing storm scene in the second act, but all she could talk about was how gross the kissing was, LOL! I don't think she even noticed anything else was going on!. After the show, we met outside the lobby, and after laughing at my tan, I listened to her go on and on about how much she loves opera, how she wants to be on stage, and how neat everything was in the show. Chris said she was completely beside herself the whole time, and really took it all in and loved every part or it (except the kissing, of course).
It was one of the best nights ever for me. I was able to sing on stage in this big opera house, and be a part of this wonderful show, and I was also able to share it with my little daughter, and see a new passion form inside her. She has always been the musical one, from an early age, and it is indescribable to share my biggest passion with my child. She and I have a truly special and unique bond with music, that I hope lasts a lifetime. I cannot think of another person I would have wanted to share last night with more than Emily - it was a perfect night.
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EMILY'S THOUGHTS:
Me and my dad went to the opera to watch my mom. First we went to dinner at Seattle Center. Then we walked around and looked at the fountain. Then we went to the Opera House and got our tickets. When we walked inside I thought it was really hot, but it was huge and really cool. We walked all over the building. Then it was time to go and sit down. I was really happy and really, really excited and giggling when it was about to start. The first act was really good. My favorite thing in the first part was when my mom came out. The dancing was awesome, and also the singing. When the princess came out, she had a very pretty dress and a big veil over her. She was sparkly.
The second Act....blech...cuz they kissed for a looooooong time. There was also thunder and lightning. [mom's comment - never mind that the second act has the most thrilling, powerful music and drama of the whole show....it's all about the kissing, I guess]
The third Act was weird. They tied the people to a big rock shaped like a hand, and mom and the rest of the chorus had to lay on the floor and be snakes while they sang (they had stinky feet, I bet). There was also a ballerina who flew down from the ceiling and it looked like she was diving and swimming in the water to get pearls.
After the show, me and dad walked down to the orchestra pit. The conductor practiced some music with the chorus and orchestra, so I got to watch them play, and I could see mom up close. She waved to me.
I had so much fun. I think opera is REALLY REALLY COOL! I want to be in an opera someday. I love it! When I am 10, I get to audition for the children's chorus, and I can't wait. I am going to practice a lot.
Love, Emily
