Well, we have had a dress rehearsal for Iphigénie en Tauride like no other I can remember. Thank God there were a few imperceptable glitches, otherwise my heart would be in my mouth opening night. The cast of singers, dancers, Tafelmusik, choristers, and our production crew were incredibly energised even before the curtain went up. Within the tight structure of this beautifully conceived opera everyone still found a way to expend their role and to bring something new to the stage. I think I have the bravest, most daring cast in OA history. I could barely bring myself to take … Read more
Gluck’s Iphigénie en Tauride, ultimately based on Euripides’ Iphigeneia among the Taurians, should appeal not only to those with a taste for the Classics—of Greek and Latin literature, of European music, of French ballet and opera—but also to those who like their classics with plenty of full-throttle, no-holds-barred action. The basis of the myth reveals Euripides’ characteristic interest in the fallout that results from the darkest of crimes: Agamemnon’s (presumed) murder of his daughter Iphigeneia, Clytemnestra’s resulting murder of her husband (Agamemnon), and Orestes’ subsequent vengeful murder of his mother (Clytemnestra). This sublime piece of operatic art strikes … Read more
Last night we had our orchestra tech rehearsal – an event that is always made up of equal parts of excitement and frustration. Naturally, everyone is full of energy and anxious to run the show, but it is also Maestro Andrew Parrott’s last opportunity to go back and rerun difficult moments of accompanied recitative. The starting and stopping can easily frustrate the singers and dancers who are trying to pace themselves, but a run through which does not address orchestra issues is equally problematic for Tafelmusik. Our wonderfully diplomatic Maestro somehow manages to walk a fine line – remaining … Read more
I can’t imagine what would make someone wish to be a stage manager. To me it seems a most stressful, terrifying job. Imagine being responsible for hundreds of lighting and fly cues throughout the course of an evening – not to mention keeping an eye out for everyone’s safety and well being, cast and crew alike.
Yesterday’s piano tech rehearsal was a case in point. At least half of our lighting and fly cues for the entire show take place during the overture. Somehow our astonishing stage manager (Kat Chin) manages to keep her eye on the score and the … Read more
I’ve been at the Elgin Theatre since 8:00 o’clock in the morning and there really is no other place I would rather be. Sometimes I look around backstage and imagine how pleasant it would be to simply move in for the duration of the show. After all, there are showers, a kitchen, comfortable couches and even a washer and dryer in the wardrobe department! At any rate, Jeannette and I will not be returning home until well after midnight this evening so this will be the next best thing to simply calling the Elgin “home”.
