Just three more (Attila) Performances

It's exciting to be 'performing' in Attila; each opera similar to the last but also unique on its own. 

Some of the fierce! 'Virgin' Warriors

A few very elegant Ladies 

Some very quick costume changes  (from warrior to monk) to the last change (Roman soldier to elegant lady), this one just off stage in only two minutes with dressers madly stripping and dressing us. 
The wonderful dressers constantly come up with ways to make each change quicker than the last, such as sewing elastic strips into shoe straps in order to slip on shoes without buckling. 

Scenes from Attila

Bill is somewhere on the rubble ruins among the Roman Soldier, and I'm in the first balcony of the banquet scene. After opening night, great reviews in all the newspapers. Five more performances, closing July 1.

Bill (r.) - Roman Soldier

Beth (l.) - Elegant Lady

Attila Final Rehearsal

The Final Rehearsal for Attila was held last night. It was very exciting to be before a live audience, and from the enthusiastic applause the opera should be a great success; we'll see from reviews next week after Opening Night.

Elegant Lady

To transform from Roman Soldier to Elegant Lady and then climb up a ladder into a balcony ruins in less than two minutes took dressers stripping costume pieces off and being attended to head to foot - literally!

In this scene I'm a Hermit Monk having 'helped' raise a cross and then standing on rubble with arms outstretched awaiting news of a new Venice.

Supernumeraries in SF Opera

We applied last year and have been called as supernumeraries for Attila which runs for six performances June 12 to July 1. It's a huge production, and very exciting to be on stage surrounded by incredible singers - chorus and principals alike - Verdi's music is thrilling. 

Huns (Bill, left)

Bill is a Hun Warrior and a Roman Soldier in four scenes, and I'm in five scenes, first as a 'Virgin' Warrior, then a Monk, a Cleric, a Roman Soldier and an elegant lady. 


We both have action in some scenes, others are preset. When one of the stage directors noticed our names, he moved me into a spot next to Bill, so we hold 'guard' together as Roman Soldiers. I'll post more photos in costume as we get them.


http://sfopera.com/Season-Tickets/2011-2012-Season/Attila.aspx

75 Golden Gate Bridge Anniversary

I'm getting back to my 'scrapbook' with beautiful pix from the 75th Golden Gate Bridge celebration yesterday. 

The Nimitz aircraft carrier was escorted under the bridge by fire boats, and the night time fireworks were spectacular.

Bill had a thrilling experience atop the bridge NOT! - just a backdrop for the photo.

Smurf Blue City Hall

On our way home last night after a wonderful Chanticleer concert we were surprised to see City Hall lit up in blue. How unusual, so I googled and found that Sony had paid for the Smurf blue lighting for the weekend to advertise their new movie. 

Full Circle

Opera In The Park visual 'distraction'

We've come full circle this year by attending two of the same events as at the beginning of our adventure last year - Opera In The Park and the SFSymphony outdoor concert, both kicking off their seasons. I'll probably post from time to time for my memories, but this year is complete.

Symphony at Civic Center

Opera In The Park was yesterday - 9/11 - a serious and inspiration concert, the orchestra performed Mozart's Requiem, and other pieces by American composers such as Bernstein's 'Make Your Garden Grow'. We did have a little visual distraction, however!


Enjoyed the Symphony at Civic Center during the week as well.