I'm sure many of you "Fashionistas" know who Zandra Rhodes is.....she of the Pink Hair and Uber-exotic designs. Well, she is the set and costume designer for our season opener - "Aida".
As you might expect, this is NOT your typical "Aida".... it is BIG, BOLD, full of color - mainly Turquoise and Gold......lots of GOLD. The "Egyptian Men" are barechested, with full, huge pleated gold hooped skirts....blue hair and heavily-lidded turquoise painted eyelids. The "Egyptian Women".... not so....much more conservative in dress.....
The sign says "Performance in Progress"... but our intrepid reporter (that's me), is going in anyway... (well, actually I can....but not with my camera... ah, but "ve haff our vays"..a-ha-ha....)
These are a few shots from last night's Piano Dress Rehearsal. You can get an idea of the scope and size of the production...
I KNOW, I KNOW...today is Animal Wednesday..... and if you thought last week's Wednesday post was a S-T-R-E-T-C-H....this one is even more so. You all know the famous "Triumphal March" from "Aida'..... trust me, you do.... Radames (the hero) often arrives via a chariot - and once in a while, there is an Elephant brought on stage..... well, here is Zandra's Elephant.... large blue and gold silk ears that flap back and forth....there are also moveable "Ivory" tusks and a moveable Elephant "trunk".... sadly, I couldn't shoot when they entered.....and everything was one cohesive piece....they come apart so Radames can step down and SING... hopefully, when this begins it's run, there will be better shots.... anyway, this "Elephant" is my Animal Wednesday contribution! (I promise to have a legit one next week..)
Below is some other intrepid person's "sneak video" of an "Aida"....this is not ME humming along...and definitely NOT our production....no Blue, not enough Gold or Glitz.... and KJ.....OUR production has the Trumpeters play live - on the stage....pretty cool, actually...
OKAY....after much web-surfing I FOUND a photo of "the Zandra Rhodes" elephant - INTACT! (Covent Garden had this production first!) Not so much of a "HAW" stretch now.......
I KNOW, I KNOW...today is Animal Wednesday..... and if you thought last week's Wednesday post was a S-T-R-E-T-C-H....this one is even more so. You all know the famous "Triumphal March" from "Aida'..... trust me, you do.... Radames (the hero) often arrives via a chariot - and once in a while, there is an Elephant brought on stage..... well, here is Zandra's Elephant.... large blue and gold silk ears that flap back and forth....there are also moveable "Ivory" tusks and a moveable Elephant "trunk".... sadly, I couldn't shoot when they entered.....and everything was one cohesive piece....they come apart so Radames can step down and SING... hopefully, when this begins it's run, there will be better shots.... anyway, this "Elephant" is my Animal Wednesday contribution! (I promise to have a legit one next week..)I will work another rehearsal this Saturday....perhaps I can show you more.... oh, one thing I can show you is our adorable and very Italian Music Director - Nicola Luisotti! Pretty cute, eh!
And quite a passionate, talented conductor.... more on "Nikki" another time.
Below is some other intrepid person's "sneak video" of an "Aida"....this is not ME humming along...and definitely NOT our production....no Blue, not enough Gold or Glitz.... and KJ.....OUR production has the Trumpeters play live - on the stage....pretty cool, actually...Viva Nikki! Viva Zandra! Viva "Aida" Viva Verdi!
HAW! (Sort of...)
HAW! (Sort of...)
Con Amore,
♥ Robin ♥
OKAY....after much web-surfing I FOUND a photo of "the Zandra Rhodes" elephant - INTACT! (Covent Garden had this production first!) Not so much of a "HAW" stretch now.......
Her hair, I'm ok with...her lips, she oughtta tone down a notch...
ReplyDeletecute post the way you put this together Robin. Cute Nikki!!! And the hair, hmmm. I'm thinking about maybe some purple for myself. Sounds like an exciting production with lots of energy. Thanks for taking us backstage once again.!!!
ReplyDeleteTeri, a-ha-ha! You are right...she is a pretty cool lady though....and it is HUGE to have a woman be a designer in the Opera World!
ReplyDeleteHugs! Kiss the Furballs for me!
♥ Robin ♥
Suki....you would look wonderful with some BLUE or Lilac in your hair!
ReplyDeleteAs for Nikki....not only is he cute - but - a GOOD KISSER! Ha-ha! (He is though, married - but - he is Italian..and hard to resist!)
Opera Scandal!!!! Mio Dio!
Con Amore,
♥ "La Principessa Robina" ♥
TOTALLY legit!! and fun
ReplyDeleteWow! What a wild woman. I love her! Also the whole set and everything including the elephant!
ReplyDeleteAnd of course the darling Nikki.
xoxo
My mum and I are huge opera lovers so I'm going to forward this to her! Thanks for posting it!
ReplyDeleteAnne..... I just KNEW you would like Zandra and her production.... I am proud SF Opera opted to hire her..... she did one other production for us a few years back....it was stunning! She really personifies 'cool'!
ReplyDelete♥ Robin ♥
Mary-Laure, thank you for visiting! I am thrilled to "meet" another Opera lover.... and of course, YOU know who Zandra is.... I respect her courage and vision so much!
ReplyDeleteBlow a Kiss to NY for me....I miss it so!
♥ Robin ♥
zandra rhodes and aida are a natural match -- great post robin!!
ReplyDeleteand that nikki is cute -- love those mischievous eyes!
xoxo
well you know I'm LMAO (sorry!) now that you've told me about this post before I've seen it!!!
ReplyDeleteBrava, Brava...encore!!!!
xo♥
sure know zandra as she is british, love her look- wish i had the nerve and the money- i would dress exactly like her. love this view into cultural life in sanfran. saw an advert here, whch was filmed in your wonderful city and I longed to go there- did you know it is on my wish list to visit???
ReplyDeleteAmanda, as you can tell, Opera is my passion in life and it is fun to be a part of the Company. Zandra is so nice - and a funny sense of humour.... I cannot wait to see what the public thinks of the production.....Opening Night is September 10th!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
♥ Robin ♥
Lo, you made me chuckle!!!! Graze Mille!
ReplyDeleteCiao, Bella!
♥ Robin ♥
Jossie, Zandra DOES remind me of you! She has your spunk and passion for life!
ReplyDeleteI did not know about your wanting to visit SF....we will have to start some positive thinkig regarding that.....I know $ is tight now.. but things will eventually improve!
I would love you to come here!
Huggles,
♥ Robin ♥
I love this post. So full of color and excitement. I dreamed once that I had blue hair. It was so pretty but I am a big chicken when it comes to color. I guess I will just keep my white hair. It reminds me of an empty pallette. HAW.
ReplyDeleteLisa - you made me smile.... I actually think white hair is lovely.....
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed my "Opera Review".....it is really fun to work backstage.... and we are blessed to have such an innovative and deeply creative company. More posts like this coming soon....
Hugs,
♥ Robin ♥
Is google eating my comments? Seems so which is so strange because I popped by yesterday to wish you all the best for the interview Robin after seeing you mention it on Joss's blog. Anyway I hope it went OK. Actually I hope it went absolutely brilliantly and you get the job of your dreams!
ReplyDeleteOur opera season is almost upon us. I have saved up and am taking my mother to see The Magic Flute in November. Can't wait. Aida is one of my faves (old habits die hard!). I'm sure that Zandra Rhodes will add another dimension. I though the elephant was great! Pretty difficult to get a real elephant I'd imagine.
As always I am struck by your enthusiasm. Love it. Hope you're having fun!
xx Jos
Jos....I was just on-line when your comment popped up! Thank you for your good wishes regarding the job.... things are especially tough here in CA...unemployment still over 12%.
ReplyDeleteFor this position, (which would be ideal for me), I have made it to "Round 2"....one of 20 from 300 applicants.... if I make it to "Round 3"....will let you know!
As for OPERA... "Zauberflaute" is my FAVOURITE Mozart Opera...it was the piece that showed me what Mozart is all about...and opened my eyes. I LOVE it... how wonderful you can share this great art form with your Mum! "Aida" - really not one of my favs....BUT....Zandra's production has opened my eyes....and I am loving it....and my opinion is rapidly changing... working another rehearsal tomorrow - with full Orchestra....
I think it will blow me away...
Hugs to you, dear one! I am so happy we met!
♥ Robin ♥
Love your pictures what colors......my favourites.
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah that Nik is almost as handsome as my Nick(proud Mom)LOL.
Looking for names for Beaudor's brother to be,just added Ramades at my list suggestions are welcome!!
Has to have some African our Lioniss in it.
Big hug from Prince Lion Beaudor and Me.
Liebe Marje,
ReplyDeleteOf course I have a HUGE Crush on "my Nikki"... the first man (other than my Ex) I have been interested in.... he IS MARRIED, though....so I am staying as far away as I can....but, YOUR Nik is GORGEOUS TOO....just like his Mum....
"Radames" is a cool name...and actually, so fitting for a "Ridgie"....since I am in "Aida" mode, the other male name is: "Amonasro".... his character is the High Priest...(but, he is not one of the "good guys"....although, in our production, he is one of the BEST singers....
Big hugs back to you, my dear Marje and of course, to "Prince Beaudor".... definitely a "Prince" and a "Lion" among dogs.....
He really is GORGEOUS!
♥ Robin ♥
Robin,
ReplyDeleteyour enthusiasm is infectious! i don't know one thing about opera, so i thank you very much for giving me my first taste.
I know next time i'm in NY i have to see a show, and i will defintely be asking you for advice!
I loved catching up with your previous posts, I hope so much that all your dreams, wishes and interviews go just as you'd like. You are such a sweet and sincere person and deserve these things at the very least (and some warm sun too!).
If you have a moment, see this post, i think you'll like it :)
http://loritimesfive.blogspot.com/2009/10/fairy-tales-and-full-moons.html
xoxo
lori
Those clothes and colors drew my eye immediately. How exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteRobin, DH and I so want to see the Impressionist show at the De Y. HOwever when I went to the site it says SOLD OUT! Does that mean my new membership will not get us in the door for this show? Any way of knowing if they will "hold it over"/extend the show to let more in later on? We are new to using this membership and had no idea we had to pre register for tickets. Thanks for any info you can offer. Instead we will enjoy the art at the Legion of Honors tomorrow. Lynn
(sorry to be asking this here but I could not find an email address for you.)
Lynn, I hope you check back here (Saturday night)....just home from another opera rehearsal.... so I have not been in de Young mode for a week..... as members, you can pick what time slots are available for D'orsay = but "part 1" ends on Sept. 6th - I think...they are open on Labour Day....there will be no extension....as the "part 1 art" will be returned to Paris - and Part 2 (the REALLY GREAT things) begins on Sept. 25th - and runs until January. You should go on-line to select your day and time for "Part 2"... as for "Part 1"...I wish I could be more helpful,if I was there..I could try, but I am committed to be at SF Opera all day Sunday and Monday. My home e-mail is: lilacrobin@att.net. No matter what, the Legion is running a lovely show..... and the crowds are not so intense. You must let me know when you and DH are coming, we should meet for a coffee at the de Young.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy - and let me know how you liked the Legion. And,,,let me have your e-mail too!
Love,
♥ Robin ♥
Hia Robin what fabulous colours! Thanks for sharing. Sorry I'm so hit and miss here my blog roll hasn't been telling me about your updates.
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a lovely weekend.
Wow what a post!
ReplyDeleteLove that colorful lady!
And that Nik-guy.......
wow he is handsome!!!!
I am so happy you are working here where you passion is!
Love!
♥♥♥
>M<
Melanie, I am always so happy when you visit!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you like my "Aida" post....yes, it IS very colourful.... I love it...we will see if the public likes it on Friday - when it opens.
There is something "mysterious" about my blog - no one can get it work on their blog roll....
oh well....
It is lovely here this weekend (for once) warm and sunny! I hope it is for you as well!
Love,
♥ Robin ♥
Marianne! You must be getting ready to jet off again.... safe flight, m' dear! I thought you would like this post...Zandra is such a cool lady - and quite intelligent....and yes, Nikki is so adorable....if he wasn't married..... (sigh)...in the meantime, as he IS Italian - we do enjoy flirting a bit!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE working for the Opera....if only I was getting paid....all I do is on a volunteer basis.....still, I am in heaven when I am there...
Love to you, Felix, der Wunderkid, Sjimmie und Spook, die Wunderkatchzen und die zwei Wunderhunde...(leider habe Ich Ihre Name vergassen....)
♥ Robin ♥
it's a small world.
ReplyDeletei dated this man and i couldn't take my eyes off his, so much so i dropped my chicken marsala quite unceremoniously.
and i dated this woman, just once, in a wild night of unleashed colorful passion. she couldn't sit still, robin....
i'm surprised to say of the two, the eyes won out. the gentleman looks irresistable.
(what is wrong with me, robin?!) :)
KJ, I am laughing at your comment! It's wonderful! Actually, I think you would enjoy meeting both of these people...they are so intelligent and have a great sense of humour!
ReplyDelete♥ Robin ♥