Ulysses finishes up its time in the rehearsal room.
At left, a composite from this week’s artist panel.
Costume shop supervisor Sue Chiang shared sketches and fabrics for this show’s amazing range of everything from leather to gauze. (Can’t wait to share production photos with you…)
Conductor Gary Wedow talked about the quasi-democracy that is working with a terrifically talented and independent group of early music specialists.
Cast members Chad Sloan (Ulysses’ son Telemaco), Rena Harms (the old nurse Ericlea) and Jamie Barton (Ulysses’ wife Penelope) filled us in on everything from ornamentation to barbeque.
Final Designer Run – Photos
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Uncategorized at July 18th, 2009.
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June 16-19, 2009:
The Così cast conquered two room runs in a row. What fabulous musicians, fascinating actors and special people these 6 are.
One day off, then into the theatre for sets, lights, costumes, makeup, magic… opera!
On Thursday, Daniel Billings, Michael Baitzer and The Phillips Collection filled our small auditorium with music and art on Thursday in
Vocal Colors. What a wonderful new project this turned into!
And on Tuesday, artists and staff from
Così joined me for a panel discussion in this week’s
Backstage Buzz.
The next 3 days? Così tech, the start of Ulysses rehearsals, and our official welcome reception for artists and donors.
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As I attempt to channel James Lipton, I’ll chat with with members of the cast and creative team this Tuesday afternoon, and we’ll get to the heart of this Così fan tutte thing.
Why should I care about these people in this opera? What challenges have Dorabella and Ferrando (the roles played by the two singers on the panel) posed to their creators? And seriously, what’s up with this “disguise” plot device? How did this Così end up in a laboratory? Are Mozart’s music and da Ponte’s libretto at odds with each other? And who does end up with whom in the end?
We’ll tackle all this and more. Got a question for the panel? Post it in the comments or email it to me, and I’ll try to squeeze it in! And if you’re in the area and would like to attend, write us at wtoc@wolftrap.org. Seating is limited.
We go into technical rehearsals in a few days, but until then I’ll relish a few stolen hours on my porch. It’s perfect early summer weather in Virginia, but it’s good that the low humidity and cool breezes only last so long. Otherwise I’d have to figure out a way to run an opera company from a wicker chair. Or run an opera company that rehearses and performs here. (Since I posted this idea on Facebook a few minutes ago, friends have begun suggesting a repertoire… Porch Song Trilogy… Porchy & Bess… and my own contribution, Porchis Godunov.)
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Uncategorized at June 15th, 2009.
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Ulysses finishes up its time in the rehearsal room.
