"This is the violet hour, the hour of hush and wonder, when the affectations glow and valor is reborn, when the shadows deepen along the edge of the forest and we believe that, if we watch carefully, at any moment we may see the unicorn."


Monday, October 25, 2010

"Cyrano" - Opening Day!

Yesterday was quite a day for SF Opera, it's Star, Placido Domingo and it's audience!  We had our first wild and wet Autumn Storm.....umbrellas blowing inside out, patrons dresses soaking....hair frizzled....  but oh well, it was worth it to see Senor Domingo perform on the SF Stage after an absence of 17 years.
A sold out (of course) house....the cast, the orchestra - all ready to go...   midway through the first act, David Gockley, our General Manager, comes on stage (never a good sign)....  Placi was not feeling well..(gasp from the audience)......but.....he was going to try and continue.  (sigh of relief from audience..)  And continue he did....for the rest of the first act, he sang his part an octive lower than was written.  But, after intermission, he, like the amazing man he is, returned in (almost) full voice and delivered a heroic and poignant performance.
The reviews will not be out until late tonight....  but, the audience loved it - loved him!  Seven curtain calls - and flowers thrown to Placi and two of the other principal singers.

Finally, I felt it only right to include a photo of him 'sans' costume, 'sans' fake nose - this is the real man, how he looks today. (Still waiting for an appropro moment to have a photo taken with me....yesterday was just too chaotic!)

Hope you enjoyed this!  More to come....

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

15 comments:

  1. What fun. Looks like it was a stunning set. I remember reading the book in High School. It was required reading for English. Maybe it is everywhere. I bet it was an awesome performance. The rain storm only added to the drama. :)

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  2. Quite a handsome man and courageous too. Why did I think he was very fat. Am I confusing him w/someone else?? anyway, so much excitement and life life life out there in SF,

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  3. oh what an evening robin --- it sounds like it was fabulous!

    when i was in milan a few days ago on my trip i visited la scala and thought of you........!

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  4. Cris...it is quite an elaborate set..... fours acts and all in 2 hours, 45 minutes! Crazy scene changing and costume changing!
    Backstage is pure chaos! But, somehow, it all is coming together beautifully!

    I am so happy you are feeling better!!!!!

    Hugs,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  5. Suki - you are thinking of Luciano Pavarotti...also a Tenor ( lovely voice - but he couldn't act). He passed away two years ago. Placi was so handsome in his prime - and still is.... and what an actor! I like the "whole package"....a gorgeous voice and the ability to make the character come to life on stage. He spearheaded the creation of this opera and it is quite faithful to Rostand's novel. The last scene (where Roxanne discovers that Cyrano actually wrote all the love letters) - but is too late - as he dies in her arms is gorgeously heartbreaking!

    Sending you and Bibs love!!

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  6. Amanda....Ciao, Bella! I am so happy to hear from you....and MUST tell you I am going crazy trying to track Peter Greathouse down....
    I kept asking all of the other fencers where he was.... but he has not ventured into the room where everyone eats and drinks during intermmission...however, I am determined.....and will get a photo of him in costume for you and will also deliver a "hello" from you! I'll be there on Wednesday!

    Be safe - have fun - eat pasta!!!!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  7. he is a stunning looking man and i am stunningly happy that you are in the midst of such passion and performance!

    i can now pronounce his name. i should be embarrassed to admit that i've been practicing for days.

    love you, love you
    kj

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  8. As handsome as he is (and he IS) I have to save my heart for my Cyrano, Mackenzie ;)

    Your life is amazing Ms. Lila Crobin~
    I'm happy to know you and call you my little sister ♥

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  9. Fabulous,to see the pictures.
    In Holland we also had nasty weather,Mr. B is striking under his blanky.
    Don't know much about opera so your my teacher,about 6 years ago we went to Nabucco in the Arena of Nimes.
    We had to cross our fingers because it's outdoors and the night before it was cancelled because it rained.
    It was magic,hope there is one next summer,we go all 4 You,Lolo,Marianne and Me(zei de gek):))
    Enjoy!!!!
    xxMar

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  10. What a night! And girl what a handsome man!!!!!
    I would fall for him in an instant.......

    Glad you had such a good time little princess!

    Thanks that we could be a part of this special evening through your posts

    ♥♥♥
    >M<

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  11. Lo....you are too sweet - and funny! There are enough "Cyranos" to go around!

    I am so glad we are "Sistas" too!!!!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  12. Liebe Marja.... first, I hope you are feeling better.....these co0lds we all have just seem to never end! (I love the picture of Monsieur Beaudor lying under his blankie!)

    It would be INCREDIBLE and GREAT FUN for all of us to meet up somewhere in Europe and attend an opera!!!!!

    Love to you and the Beautous Beaudor! Feel better!

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  13. Marianne... I hope you don't mind, but I shared your "Placi" story with some opera colleagues.....they were so imprssed!

    I KNOW you are having fun in the "Windy City"....and then on to NY! I am GREEN with envy!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  14. What a gorgeous man!!!! I can see why you'd want a photo with him, and oh yes, I know he can sing too!!! LOL

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