weekend in opera

Finally it arrived. Gf and I went to Milwaukee to see Lucia take her star turn in the opera Romeo and Juliet. Fuckin' fantastic. I write this from the perspective of someone who just watched their second opera in life, but I was totally impressed.

But first.

We were runing late. It was a battle nite the nite before for me - just how stupid can one be- but I was ok. Gf = not in travel mood. But we expressed our way north and made the city to the north in good time - just a few m. late. So, up to the upper deck we went for the first part. We regained our normal seats later, but we had the New Comisky Park (1991- 2003?) upper deck seats to begin with.

We had made lots of plans to spend a nite in Milwaukee and catch the opera, but a resheduled soccer game for Friday and the Fire game Saturday meant that the only time we could catch our friend singing was Sunday afternoon. Lucky us. 'Cause of sicknes, even her husband coud not see her this wkd. Life is busy. But Gf had hotel in her head 'cause we'd plannd this for several months, and was a bit sullen on this account going up there. The show brightened her, but up till then..................

A note on the opera. It's not exactely the R & J of Shakey. Same basic plot - star crossed lovers, the feuding families, etc. But the ending was a bit off - the couple had a few minutes to be to-gether as Romeo died - in Shakey Juliet wakes up to a dead Romeo. But the show was great. The orchastra and the actors were good to listen to and watch.

And then there was Romeo. I've lots of frenz who have been on stages big and small, musical and acting, etc... but it's always fun to watch them. So here was Lucia, in costume as Romeo looking much like the Jack of Hearts. I've actually heard her let loose on stage before - remember '91 or '92 when she open miked a few times with Rocky and Blacky backing? It was a neat juxtaposition of rock and opera. But here it was full opera. With costumes, props, and 30 other performers. And thousands of people in the seats. So fun to watch her in this context. And in a sword fite!!

We were soon to see her in another context. Mommy. We visited Rocky @ the hotel after the show. Rocky was trying to placate the baby, doing ok, Gramma placating, doing ok, Uncle Hilts and Aunt Gf, placating..........................then Mom walks in, drops her coat right on the floor, rushes to baby, and ..................quiet.

Mom's gotta have it.