Historic Opera

Marina and I have had an interest in opera lately. A historic opera house in an old mining town offered a program called “Take a Child to the Opera Day.” The program included several activities and a performance of La Traviata. That sounded like a great way to check out this historic opera house.

We had to leave fairly early this morning because it was pretty far away. We got to drive into the mountains and were treated to some spectacular views along the way. The activities began in the livery stables across the street from the opera house. The stables have been turned into a small performance space. We were led in several theatrically themed games. Marina was a bit self-conscious about the mirror game, but she loved the “Director Says” one.

After the activities, we went to a local museum which featured many artifacts from the city’s history. We walked past mock stores and an old fashioned classroom. Marina even tried ringing the school bells. But her favorite part was clearly the Nautilus submarine on display.

After our visit to the museum, we went to the opera house and had lunch on one of two lovely patios next to it. We ate on a shady bench with a girl and her grandmother. After they ate, Marina and her new friend played in the gardens.

After lunch, we went back to the livery stable for presentation by one of the Central City Opera singers. He was a baritone and he talked about the opera and life as a singer. He also performed one of the arias from La Traviata. After his performance, we went to the Teller House, next door the Opera House, and Marina made a camilla, since the opera was based on a book called “The Lady of the Camillas.” She was also given a set of opera glasses, which she loved.

Once her flower was finished, we went outside to watch the song of the ushers. It is tradition that the ushers stand in front of the box office and sing the song before marching to the opera house and opening up seating. We settled into our seats shortly before the opera began. The theater inside was gorgeous. The opening was a festive party and it captured Marina’s attention. The opera was sung in Italian, but the translation appeared on a big screen at the front of the theater.

Act 1 was short, followed by an intermission. We went outside onto one of the patios where Marina met up with her new friend again. Act 2 was slower and less dynamic, so Marina played with her opera glasses a bit. She met up with her friend again during the second intermission. This time, the girls discussed the death of Violetta which they knew was coming at the end of the opera.

Marina clapped enthusiastically at the end of the opera. She was tired and ready to go home. But I encouraged her to take advantage of the opportunity to meet the cast. She was a bit reluctant, but she agreed. There was a bit of a crowd, but we patiently waited our turn. First we got to meet the actor playing Alfredo. He was very nice and when I asked to take a picture he pointed out his mother was there taking pictures as well. Next we spoke with Violetta. She was very friendly and encouraging to each child. Marina was so impressed with her that she gave her the camilla she made earlier. Before we left, we got pictures with Georges and Flora as well.

We had another long ride home. Marina seemed to enjoy most of the views I pointed out to her, but mostly she played on her phone. The long drive seemed to be the only part of our day she didn’t like.