Showing posts with label Michael York. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael York. Show all posts

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Mom and Dad Meet Frankenstein!!

My mom and dad were able to attend this afternoon's Long Beach Opera performance of Strauss Meets Frankenstein. Also in attendance was my grad student Amy and her roommate Christy.

Once again I was able to sit in the audience and take in the sheer artistry of Michael York and Lisa Sylvester as they performed Enoch Arden for the last time. I still got all teary eyed and had to go blow my nose before the second half and "Frankenstein!!".

Here's a funny side note: When I went down to the "Orchestra Women"'s dressing room before the show, I heard a disembodied voice from the restroom area..."Teri, are you wearing earrings?"

Lisa had left hers at home and was trying to figure out who she could call who might be wearing earrings. I was happy to see my earrings gracing Lisa's ears as the haunting music of Ricard Strauss flowed from her talented fingers during the first half of the show.

Another side note: Lisa told me she was a little bitter on Thursday when she was assigned the "Orchestra Women"'s dressing room instead of one all her own. She laughed and said, "Then I did the math and realized there was only one other woman in the orchestra!" It was fun sharing dressing room space with a star!

After the show, as we were walking back to the car, my dad saw "The Sky Room" and shared an historical fact with us. He took "the twins" (whoever they were) to an after Senior Prom party there. The occasion just begged for a picture:



As we drove under the bridge commemorating the roller coaster that used to be at The Pike, Mom and Dad both reminisced about the scary times they had on that creaking behemoth.

A good time was had by all.

Oh, and I got paid

Score!

Friday, March 14, 2008

Frankenstein Is Dancing!



Long Beach Opera had a successful opening night tonight at the Center Theater in Long Beach.

An enthusiastic crowd was on hand for the show.

Happily, Bob was able to attend tonight's performance. I sat with him in the audience for a stunning first half. Michael York did a brilliant reading of "Enoch Arden" with Lisa Sylvester on piano. I was bawling by the end, and I wasn't the only one! Bravo Michael and Lisa!

The second half found me on stage, flute, piccolo, and hose in hand for "Frankenstein!!". The audience roared with laughter in all the right places, especially at the dazzling puppetry by the Rogue Artists Ensemble. Michael was hilarious. The orchestra survived performing with their "toys" (besides hoses there are toy trumpets, slide whistles, merry-go-rounds, and a ratchet).

After the show a fellow blogger even stopped by to say hello. Nice!

What are you doing this weekend? We have 2 shows left: Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 4pm. Come on down. Frankenstein is, after all, dancing!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Just Another Day at the Office

I never really know what to expect when I walk through the stage door for the first rehearsal of a Long Beach Opera production. What surprises has Andreas dreamed up for us this time?

It was no surprise to see actor Michael York. He's the star of the show.

Of course, you might not see something like this at work every day:

If you squint you might be able to make out my little slice of stage (my flute case is just to the right of the red (decaf) coffee cup).

This is my view.

Our conductor Andreas is fabulously talented as well as a kind, patient man.
Oh, and here is my hose:

I'm getting paid an extra double on top of the piccolo (that means more $$$) to play this.

Life is good!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Frankenstein Work Call



I just got a mysteriously delayed work call for Long Beach Opera's production of Frankenstein with Michael York.

Since I saw Michael York and (my favorite) conductor Andreas Mitisek at the pool last week, I was already chomping at the bit. I'm really looking forward to this production. I get to play some flute and some piccolo. I already have a recording. It actually sounds do-able (ask me again when I get the music).

Meanwhile, Bob continues to suffer in unabated agony. That is so rough.

We have reservations for the Grand Californian at the Disneyland Resort for 2 nights a week from tomorrow. We're beginning to think that trip might not occur.

Instead maybe I'll be able to pop up to the Central Coast to see my grand nephew Hunter...if he has arrived by then.

How about it, Hunter? I can't wait to meet you!