Opera

Last night I went to the Metropolitan Opera in the Park. They were doing Verdi's La Traviata and I was excited to see it. I was wondering how they would transport an entire opera, set and all, to Central Park. Now I know, they don't. What it really is, is more like a sing-and-play-through of the entire opera. The orchestra was on stage with the chorus on risers behind them and the leads up in front of the orchestra. They were amazing. I mean of course they were good, it's the Met, but I really enjoyed it.

That's even though I missed getting a program so I couldn't follow along with which piece we were on at what time (thank goodness I checked up on the story online before going). I also sat in a place with the sound tent blocking my view of half the stage (unfortunately the half where the leads stood). It ended up for me more like I was listening to the opera on the radio, but that's fine because I was out in Central Park on a really nice night with good food I had brought with me and incredible music. Even without a program I could follow the outline of the story that I knew by following the tone of the music. I really liked it.

Tonight is Verdi's Rigoletto and I think I will go a little earlier to get a better view of the stage. Last night I only got there 2 hours before it started, what what was I thinking ;). I will also make sure I don't miss the person handing out programs this time.