Opera daze...

Im loving working on Godunov but Im getting used to some of the major differences between Opera at the Met and Ballet at the Met:

1. Singing rather than dancing. Obviously. The power of all those voices and the orchestra is unbelievable. Although, the Opera does have their own ballet chorus but Im not dressing them. (Im with the kids!)

2. The sheer number of people. This opera has an enormous cast and therefor an enormous crew. I was standing in the stage right wings waiting for a change today- and literally almost 100 people were back there at once.

3. Age. The average age at ABT was probably 30. The Opera is more like 40.

4. Set. The sets are massive and the stage is raked.

5. Costume. They are bigger and heavier. Since most of the singers do little more than walk to position, stand, and gesture, the costumes can be very cumbersome.



Image by Rachel Papo

I was also asked to dress La Boheme (the original Rent). Glad I get to stick around!