The day after Acis closed Jeannette and I left for a week in Rome. This was partially in an effort to get Acis out of our systems (we all loved it too much!) while helping us to focus on OA’s next production – the North American premiere on period instruments of Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito. The production will reflect the aesthetic of Ancient Rome and Baroque Rome coupled with a modern sensibility which only someone as sophisticated as designer Gerard Gauci could give us.
For the first time in our lives, we shared our holiday with a dear friend – singer, dancer Laird Mackintosh. Many of you will remember Laird as a multi-talented performer with OA. After several years with us he joined the Stratford Festival Company singing leads in numerous musicals after which he joined the US national tour for the Walt Disney production of Mary Poppins. He has a grueling schedule alternating the roles of Bert and Mr. Banks and we were extremely touched that he chose to spend his one week vacation with us.
This was our eighth trip to Rome and the city continues to enthrall us with each successive visit. I can’t image any place in the world more effectively firing the imagination of artists in any discipline. I include a few of Laird’s marvelous photographs.
Jeannette and me standing in front of what is arguably the most magical building in Rome - the Pantheon.
Laird's candid shot of me in St. Peter's.
The glorious staircase in the Palazzo Massimo - holding ourselves up after a long thrilling day.
Jeannette seated in front of Canova's "Hercules."
