Opera Adventures

The summer is winding down and another of our traditions is to attend the family matinee performance at the opera. Marina and I were especially excited this year because the opera being performed was The Magic Flute, one we both love. I signed us up for the Opera Adventures before the opera. So we left this morning for the drive to the mountains. It was a beautiful day and the drive through the mountains was gorgeous.

When we arrived, we were greeted by the staff, who recognized us from the previous three years. The first part of the day was a trip to a history museum. We had gone there three years ago for our first time in Central City and it was interesting to go again. We looked over the displays of life in Central City in the 1800’s. After we went through the museum, Marina tried panning for gold outside. She even helped some younger kids find gold as well,

We went to the opera patio for lunch as we always do. Marina ate a bit of everything. At the end of our lunch, another family joined us and we talked with them for a while until it was time to rejoin the group for afternoon activities.

We met everyone in the stables where there were some activities for kids. When they handed out plastic flutes, Marina didn’t get one. Apparently, she’s no longer a kid! She didn’t seem to mind. Then we heard from an actor who plays Sorastro in the regular production of the opera. He sang for us as well.

We all went outside in time to hear the Usher Song. This year we were even supplied with the sheet music! Then we went inside to watch the show. This performance had a bit of a 1920’s circus theme and three boys in a bit of a narrator role. As always, our favorite parts were the arias by The Queen of the Night.

After the performance, the performers playing Tamino, Pamina, the Queen of the Night, Papageno and Sarastro came out in their costumes. Marina happily had her picture taken with each one before we headed home.