Palm Springs is the center of the World-Renowned Celebration of Midcentury Architecture, Design and Culture. Happy 20th Anniversary!
Beautiful grounds surround this property.
I was lucky enough to be granted a tour of The West House which used to be the desert hideaway for the original Batman; Adam West. Having always been a batman fan, I was so looking forward to this. I used to love the series as a kid and later the movies and all the campy characters.
In the EntrywayI went on Valentine’s Day
This dynamic residence, located in the cherished Old Las Palmas neighborhood, was built in 1954 and has since been reimagined by Michelle Boudreau Design. It was renovated by renowned architect Albert Frey, who incorporated numerous modernism design features.
New owners Bruce and Lynn Gibson requested a complete transformation of the exterior and interior, blending revitalized aesthetics with an innovative twist, while honoring Frey’s legacy and Batman’s iconic influence.
The design features slick curves reminiscent of the Bat Cave, accented by warm tones and signature black edges. Custom designed interiors create a distinct narrative in each room, while expansive glass sliders frame breathtaking views. Lush landscaping by La Riviera Studios, water features and a putting green enhance the seamless indoor/outdoor living. This house is the embodiment of the Palm Springs lifestyle.
I especially loved the bathrooms. Check these out:
Photos: d. king
For tickets to events until February 23rd please visit:
Part of the 36th Palm Springs International Film Festival – 2025.
“The sense for the perception of architecture is not the eyes – but living. Our life is its image” – Rudolph Schindler
Photo courtesy of Palm Springs International Film Festival.
If you love art and architecture, then you need to see this important and informative documentary about great modernist architect Rudolph Schindler. Schindler’s body of work which he referred to as “Space Architecture” was focused primarily on the design of interior space. And it is impressive. Each living space is a work of art.
With so much richness and history here, it occurred to me how difficult it must be to put a documentary together with an over abundance of information on one person with such a wide body of work. Valentina Ganeva manages to give us an educational and stylish film which is sure to inspire. Narrated by Meryl Streep and Udo Kier.
Schindler, for those not familiar, was the first architect to introduce the indoor/outdoor living concept in California. That especially, I can relate to and appreciate. He combined multi-functional space with an abundance of natural light through strategically placed windows, skylights and doors. Light and space play crucial roles in creating a harmonious and inviting environment.
The late Austrian-born, American architect had a unique perspective by creating simple but functional and luxurious designs incorporating an expression of his specific ideas, almost entirely in Southern California in the early to mid 20th century.
He was famous for his style of meeting the needs of each client and site, often designing on the challenging hillside lots that his clients could afford. He worked within the budget of each client. One of his most beloved residential designs is the Tischler House (Westwood, 1949).
Schindler developed a style at once distinctly modern and uniquely adaptive to local culture and climatic conditions. A true blend of artist and engineer, Schindler constantly experimented with materials, construction techniques, and the composition of space.
Schindler was a pioneer who broke from the International Style of the moment to do things “his way.” Richard Neutra was his bitter rival; Frank Lloyd Wright a difficult mentor. Both of these architects took some ideas from Schindler but did not offer credit.
This doc is also a study on human character – it’s good side and it’s disappointments. It would be nice if people gave credit where credit is due, but we find out that this is not the case when both Neutra and Wright purposely keep Schindler out of some very significant acknowledgments. What I like about Schindler is that he stuck to his original ideas without becoming conformist to what other architects deemed were the unwritten rules of the times.
We also find out that both Neutra and Wright decide to make amends at the end of their life but instead of pointing a finger, Schindler decides to gracefully accept their apologies. Bittersweet moments.
At the Q&A at the end of the film, an audience member asked how Ganeva was able to get Streep to agree to narrate the film. Someone she knows is a friend of a relative of Streep’s and as it so happens, the actress knows a few people who live in Schindler designed homes and was more than happy to lend her voice. Udo Kier is a German born character actor who lives in Palm Springs. Both Valentina and Udo were here in person. This is Valentina’s first documentary. Funnily enough, she used to be a movie critic in Bulgaria.
Photo: d. king – Q&A
This documentary will also be featured as part of Modernism Week here in Palm Springs.
Bravo for a work well done!
Palm Springs International Film Festival Tickets. On until January 13th:
FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.
Perspective is the way we look at something, and since we’re all unique, we all view things differently. So I’m not sure that you see what I see or if it’s even reasonable to think that you should. What does the artist intend for us to see is the question. I love the beauty, the simplicity and the complexity of each and every Hockney work of art. His work often explores themes of light, space, and the everyday moments of life.
David Hockney is a renowned English painter, draughtsman, printmaker, stage designer, and photographer. Born on July 9, 1937, in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, he is considered one of the most influential British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. He is also known for his contributions to the pop art movement of the 1960s and his innovative use of color and perspective.
The exhibition highlights Hockney’s lifelong experiments with non-traditional perspectives for depicting the world and foregrounds his early interest in expressing his identity as a gay man.
David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed presents a wide body of works produced during a six-decade-long career. It features nearly 200 of the artist’s works in a variety of media, including prints, collages, photographs, iPhone as well as iPad drawings.
He changed my perspective on how I see art. I would not have previously considered creating art with a simple iPhone or iPad as Art. Quite amazing actually. It’s just a different medium and not so simple for just anyone.
After more than 15 years as New York’s favorite musical, the Tony, Grammy® and *Olivier Award-winning JERSEY BOYS played its final performance in New York on May 22, 2022 and continues on tour in London and other parts of UK. However; here in Vancouver…
Cast of Jersey Boys, 2024; set design by Ryan Cormack; costume design by Barbara Clayden; lighting design by Sophie Tang; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company.
We’re lucky to have our very own Broadway-style production of JERSEY BOYS, now playing at the historic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (an Arts Club Theatre Company Production) – held over until October 27thdue to popular demand.
Photo: d. king
My friend Margeaux and I had the pleasure of seeing this on Saturday night. Oh; What a Night! – remember that was one of the hits back in the day.
I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed this show. OK; I’ll tell you – we enjoyed it very much. The quality of the singing (which my friend thought was dubbed – it’s not) is outstanding. With an exceptional cast and story, JERSEY BOYS features extraordinary performances by Elliot Lazar as Frankie Valli, alongside Darren Martens as Tommy DeVito, Jason Sakaki as Bob Gaudio, and Jordan Stanley as Nick Massi.
Under the direction of Julie Tomaino, JERSEY BOYS isn’t just about the music; it’s about the story behind the music. This Award–winning musical brings to life the captivating true life story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, a band that rose from the streets of New Jersey to international fame. For the Arts Club, JERSEY BOYS is more than a celebration of a legendary quartet; it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to producing Broadway-calibre productions on the West Coast.
The show brings a high-energy, emotionally charged experience to the Stanley with its sharp narrative, compelling characters, and unforgettable soundtrack.
Jason Sakaki, Elliot Lazar, Darren Martens, and Tanner Zerr in Jersey Boys, 2024; set design by Ryan Cormack; costume design by Barbara Clayden; lighting design by Sophie Tang; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
The creative team behind this production is equally impressive, featuring Set Designer Ryan Cormack and Costume Designer Barbara Clayden recreating the vibrant 1960’s atmosphere that defined the era of The Four Seasons. With hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” Musical Director Ken Cormier will keep audiences humming after they leave the theatre. The stage design, lighting, and soundscapes have been meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere that echoes the energy and nostalgia of the 1960s—a time when Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons ruled the airwaves.
Cast of Jersey Boys, 2024; set design by Ryan Cormack; costume design by Barbara Clayden; lighting design by Sophie Tang; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
*The Olivier Awards are recognized internationally as the highest honour in British theatre, equivalent to the BAFTA Awards for film and television, and the BRIT Awards for music.
I finally got to see HAMLET last night with my friend Rosa at Vancouver’s “Bard on the Beach.”
This one tops the list as being Shakespeare’s most performed, and greatest play of all. Its soliloquies are also the most famous compared to the other tragedies.
So happy that I read the synopsis before the play started, if only to refresh myself with the story outline. I was surprised to find out that the infamous line “to be or not…..blah, blah you know the rest was mentioned in the opening few minutes. Rosa, on the other hand; had a teacher in high school in Mexico, very well versed with Shakespeare and taught her students in-depth details about the plays. So much so, that Rosa remembered almost everything about the play. She should really be the one writing this review. However, this is not so much a review, as an overview of the evening.
Nadeem Phillip Umar Khitab as Hamlet, Photo by Tim Matheson.
No play by Shakespeare has more meaningfully captivated us than Hamlet. A young prince returns home to mourn the death of his father only to uncover a dark secret he can’t ignore. His struggle to move forward with purpose awakens deep questions about life, existence, and if it’s better “To be or not to be.” As he attempts to make sense of a world that has shifted beneath him, we are invited to see ourselves in Hamlet and to consider the blurry lines around loyalty, self, and all the things that are in heaven and earth. – (this paragraph taken from the website).
Munish Sharma as Claudius, Jennifer Clement as Gertrude, Christine Quintana as Osric, Photo by Tim Matheson.
Vancouver’s “Bard on the Beach” has a very talented cast and crew. We’re so lucky to have them. What they tend to do is take a classic (such as this one) and put a modern twist on it, so that it’s a lot more relatable to today’s audience. Don’t forget, this was written somewhere between 1599 and 1602; towards the end of Queen Elizabeth’s rule when the English people were nervous about succession. Queen Elizabeth’s long reign represented a time of peace after lengthy turmoil. So this play probably hit home much harder at that time.
Nadeem Umar Phillip Khitab as Hamlet, Kate Besworth as Ophelia, Photo by Tim Matheson.
Hamlet is significant because it embodies the complexities of human psychology. His internal struggles, including grief, anger, and indecision, serve as a study in the human condition. We can learn about the consequences of overthinking and the importance of taking action.
Nadeem Phillip Umar Khitab as Hamlet, Jennifer Clement as Gertrude, Photo by Tim Matheson.
We were really impressed by the talented cast and set design. It takes a village (literally) to put something like this together.
Aidan Correia as Rosencrantz, Nadeem Phillip Umar Khitab Ivy Charles as Guildenstern, Photo by Tim Matheson.
Below is the story – taken from the Bard booklet. For tickets see bottom of page.
THE STORY
“ADIEU, ADIEU, HAMLET. REMEMBER ME”
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, has returned home to Elsinore for his father’s funeral, only to learn that his mother, Gertrude, has married his uncle Claudius—and that Claudius is now King of Denmark. Disturbed by this turn of events, a melancholic Hamlet continues to mourn the loss of his father, much to the concern of King Claudius and Queen Gertrude.
When his friend Horatio brings news of a ghost that resembles the late King Hamlet wandering the grounds of Elsinore, Hamlet starts to realize that things may not be exactly as they seem. Hamlet resolves to try and catch a glimpse of the ghost for himself.
Elsewhere, Laertes, the son of Polonius, speaks with his sister Ophelia while preparing to return to France. He warns Ophelia to steer clear of Hamlet’s affections, and when Polonius overhears this and learns that Hamlet has been courting his daughter, he forbids Ophelia from spending any more time with Hamlet.
That evening, Hamlet, Horatio, and the watchman Marcellus wait outside, where the ghost reveals himself to Hamlet as his father’s spirit. He tells Hamlet that he was not killed in an accident, but rather, murdered by his brother Claudius, and asks Hamlet to avenge his death. Hamlet vows to seek revenge on Claudius and advises Horatio and Marcellus that he will “put on an antic disposition” and feign madness while he carries out his plan.
“MADNESS IN GREAT ONES MUST NOT UNWATCHED GO”
The next day, Hamlet’s two former school friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern arrive at Elsinore. Claudius has sent for them so that they can watch over Hamlet, whose strange behaviour has been noted by both Claudius and Gertrude, as well as by Ophelia and Polonius. Almost immediately, a group of musicians also arrive at Elsinore and Hamlet sees an opportunity to set his plan in motion. Hamlet asks the musicians to perform a song that mimics the events of his father’s murder, so he can watch Claudius’ reaction. When Claudius storms out in the middle of the performance, Hamlet believes that he has all the proof he needs of his uncle’s guilt.
What happens next is a tragic saga of betrayal, murder, political intrigue, and revenge that has captivated audiences for generations.
The play takes place until September 20th. For tickets:
A good friend of mine saw this play (a made up Tom Stoppard extension of Hamlet) at the Stratford Festival in Ontario and gave it rave reviews:
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is an absurdist, existential tragicomedy by Tom Stoppard, first staged at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1966. The play expands upon the exploits of two minor characters from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the courtiers Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and the main setting is Denmark.
Last night I attended the opening night performance of “Ring of Fire” – a compelling storytelling through song about the legendary Johnny Cash, including his family and wife; the amazing June Carter Cash.
Patrick Metzger, Devon Busswood, Frankie Cottrell, Tainui Kuru, and Caitriona Murphy in Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Luckily my friend Lynda and I made it to the Arts Club Theatre at Granville Island only minutes before the start, after mistakenly first going to the Stanley Alliance Theatre on South Granville. I wondered why the marquee said “Guys and Dolls.” Anyway; note to self: always double check the ticket info beforehand duh.
In a nutshell the show was nothing short of INCREDIBLE. The performers were top-notch with their singing and musical instrument capabilities, that it could’ve easily been a Broadway Musical. I mean; they were truly mind-blowing.
FrankieCottrell (as Johnny Cash) in Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
I’m personally not a huge country music fan, however I always admired Johnny Cash. His charisma and deep, resonant voice had a distinctive style blending country, rockabilly, blues, and gospel.
He often sang about the struggles of the common man, themes of redemption, faith, and justice. Cash’s music captured the essence of the human experience, reflecting both personal introspection and societal commentary.
Cast of Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Beyond his music, he was recognized for his authenticity and enduring influence on generations of musicians and fans alike.
DevonBusswood (as June Carter Cash) in Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
I highly recommend seeing this show if you’re in Vancouver – even if you’re not a huge country music fan.
The beauty of abstract art, both for the viewer and artist, is that any person can interpret any art they see in whichever way they choose.
Libby Walsh is an artist friend I met in Palm Springs through a mutual friend (we call her Candy the connector) a couple years ago. We met when a group of us went to a fashion luncheon at Wally’s Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage. Since then, we’ve seen each other a number of times on other occasions, including another Wally’s fashion lunch because we enjoyed it so much the first time.
Aside from being an artist with a twist (literally), Libby’s a true tennis fanatic enthusiast who can talk everything tennis related. She’s a regular spectator at the annual BNP Paribas Tennis Open in Indian Wells, featuring the best players in the world.
A former photo and food stylist for 25 years, Libby received a BFA degree with an emphasis on photography and sculpture.
Her broad range of creative endeavours have influenced her passion for design, composition, color, and the love of abstract expressionism.
Her art is a unique form. It revolves around using refined organic cotton material, which she transforms into sculptured ethereal compositions. The only surviving record and reminder of it is via photograph. The original materials are recycled for other creations. One small piece may be used in many ways for different creations…there is a place for everything. No waste. She calls it LibArt..photographed, organic compositions. Like this:
Swirling White on Black – Libby Walsh
She recently gifted our friend Mini an art piece for her birthday.
Mini with her smaller version of a White on Black art piece (there is a larger version) – Tonga Hut in Palm Springs.
Libby’s Photo Art is a visual endeavour, creating energy in a limited space. The composition of flowing lines that balance the positive and negative space, gives the viewer an invitation to Stop, Reflect and Enjoy the limited, but not limiting motion of design.
Some of her works are scheduled to be on display in a gallery at the Perez Art District in Cathedral City. More details to follow.
For exhibit opportunities or purchasing please contact Libby at: libbywalsh(at)att.net (this is so AI cannot pick up the “@” character).
“FUN + GAMES” SHOW & SALE
Artists Center
The Artists Center
Come see our last show of the season before we close for our summer hiatus during July and August. View the 117 artworks in person at the Artists Center at the Galen (open Wed through Sun from 10 am to 4 pm from now through June 30th)…or browse (and shop!) See link below.
At Artists Center Reception with friends Candy & Valerie.
Stop, Reflect and Enjoy!
For more info on Artists Center Current Exhibitions and Shows:
With our friend Candy outside a gallery at Perez Art District in Cathedral City, Ca.
The Artists Council is committed to a fulfilling creative life for all and recognizes the powerful impact art can have on our world, both in the making of art and exposure to it. Our concept of inclusion embraces all races, genders, ages, religions, identities, personal experiences and lifestyles. Cultural inclusion is one of our guiding principles.
Subscribe to our newsletter and e-blast announcements – SUBSCRIBE
Last Wednesday was the opening of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” at Vancouver’s “Bard on the Beach.”
Charlie Gallant as Sebastian Olivia Hutt as Olivia, Photo by Tim Matheson
I walk my dogs around the area where the tents are assembled and it’s always amazing to see how far they’ve come from having absolutely nothing there to the remarkable display that becomes the epicentre for our Shakespeare festival. It’s nothing short of a hell of a lot of work to put this together; and then you have the gorgeous sets, rehearsals and finally the crowds. Then we know that summer has arrived.
Photo: Tim MathesonWith the very tall premier of British Columbia; David Eby. I’m wearing my “As You Like It” t-shirt purchased from the Bard Boutique last season (they still have some left).The boutique offers a lot of fun souveniers.
I must admit that it’s always a bit of a challenge to review Shakespeare. The characters always portray profound insights into the human condition, delving into the complexities of human nature. The plays are infused with poetic language, universal truths and a touch (in some cases more than a touch) of whimsy. The classic play explores themes of love, power, ambition and betrayal. Some resonate with me more than others.
“Twelfth Night” is a comedy filled with mistaken identities, love triangles, and witty wordplay.
The Company of Twelfth Night, Photo by Tim Matheson
Most critics consider it to be one of his greatest comedies, along with “As You Like It,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” My favourite so far has been “As You Like It” but it’s all personal and William Shakespeare is known to be the greatest playwright of all time.
It follows the story of Viola, who disguises herself as a man named Cesario, leading to romantic entanglements and humorous confusion. This play explores themes of love, desire, and self-discovery amidst a backdrop of elaborate schemes and mischievous pranks. It takes place in Illyria; a made up land of misrule. The land is a bright and brilliant carnival of confusion, where music is truly “the food of love.” And as usual, follow along because things happen fast.
Dawn Petten as Malvolia, Photo by Tim Matheson
The execution of this play is very well done and the players (accomplished actors who can sing) are excellent. I’m always impressed by them and their range of talent.
Olivia Hutt as Olivia, Photo by Tim Matheson
Need I say more? I don’t want to ruin the suspense or surprise. And quite frankly, I think you need to see it yourself to really understand what’s going on because there’s a lot going on and I prefer to keep my posts fairly brief and not to give too too much away. Let me know what you think.
It has been some while since I’ve been to an actual Broadway show, so watching this last night was almost like being back in New York. Meaning it was that good.
Daniel Curalli and Tenaj Williams in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Take a leap back in time to 194o’s New York City where gambling was rampant, night club performers were raunchy and attractive but empty-headed women were referred to as “Dolls” in the hit Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls” – now playing until June 30th at the Arts Club Stanley Alliance Stage in Vancouver. Now celebrating their diamond anniversary – shining bright for 60 years.
The last musical I saw on this stage was “Beautiful” – the Carole King Story and it was excellent. Of course I knew all the songs from having listened to “Tapestry” over and over again back in the day.
I must admit that I really enjoy a good musical with talented singers/dancers/actors, so this performance of “Guys and Dolls” hit all the right notes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the familiarity of songs I’ve heard in the past such as “Sue Me” and “If I were a Bell.”
Yasmin D’Oshun, Madeleine Suddaby, Shannon Hanbury in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon, “Guys and Dolls” first premiered in 1950 with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows. Set in the bustling streets of New York City, the show follows the intertwining stories of gamblers, nightclub performers, and missionaries.
At its heart, “Guys and Dolls” is a romantic comedy, featuring colorful characters such as Nathan Detroit, a lovable but perpetually broke gambler; Miss Adelaide, his long-suffering fiancée of 14 years who is desperate to get him to the altar; Sky Masterson, a suave and high-rolling gambler; and Sarah Brown, a devout missionary trying to save souls in the midst of the city’s chaos.
Cast of Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
The plot revolves around Nathan’s attempts to find a venue for his infamous floating craps game while simultaneously trying to avoid commitment to Adelaide. Meanwhile, Sky makes a bet that he can take Sarah on a date to Havana, Cuba, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements.
Filled with catchy tunes like “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Guys and Dolls” is known for its vibrant characters, witty dialogue, and toe-tapping music. It’s a delightful blend of humor, romance, and old-school charm that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal.
Yasmin D’Oshun, Madeleine Suddaby, Shannon Hanbury in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Header image: Cast of Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Saturday was the opening night of a sold-out performance to one of the most popular operas of all time; CARMEN.
Sarah Mesco (Carmen) & Alok Kumar (Don Jose). Emily Cooper Photography
Congratulations to Vancouver Opera for celebrating 65 years with an awesome 2024-2025 lineup.
Once again, with my friend Rosa, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver to enjoy an evening of revered arias sung in French with projected English subtitles, interesting colourful characters, spectacular costumes and set design. My first time seeing it and her third time; once at the Met in New York. Of course I’d heard about it but didn’t really know the story until now.
The good thing about going with an opera buff friend (as opposed to opera buffa or buffoon) is that they already know about the story, the composer and the arias. They can tell you which ones are “must-sees.” This was one of them. Like everything else, some are much better than others.
In the lobby of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Photo Credit: a Stranger
It was probably the most enjoyable opera I’ve seen in a long time, if even a bit too long as it has four acts with a 25 minute intermission after the second act. I can’t believe how much detail goes into the making of a production of this scale. No small feat for the choreographer (Cydney Uffindell-Phillips). The actors suited their respective roles and gave magnificent performances. With so many actors on the stage all at once in several scenes, it makes you wonder how they all manage to get it together backstage. It must be organized chaos. It’s a grand undertaking that went seemingly seamless.
Emily Cooper Photography courtesy of Vancouver Opera.
The short synopsis tells the story of a hopeless soldier, Don José, who is seduced by Carmen, a fiery gypsy woman with an appetite for smuggling. As operas tend to go it’s full of infatuation, passion, jealousy, class conflict and gender inequality. Carmen; the dominant force here uses her beauty to get what she wants. Men fall in love with her at first glance and she knows it and uses it to manoeuvre her way in and out of situations. Oh; to have that much power in beauty alone. But she’s also cunning and a little dangerous. Men be warned! Blinded by her charm, they ignore the signals.
Nathan Keoughan (Escamillo the Toreador) at finale. Photo: d. king
The Acts are too long to describe here, but I suggest if you adore opera or want to learn more, check out the link below for tickets.
Finale. Photo: d. king
If you’re new to opera and want a brief description of popular opera terms check this out:
You’re at the opera house. You open the program book or you’re listening to the opera snobs talk, and you can’t understand a word — or at least some words. To get a handle on what they all mean, here’s a chart:
aria: An emotion-expressing song in an opera; the big number.
opera buffa: Funny opera, especially from the 18th century. Think Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro.”
bel canto: A style of sweet singing, taught to singers even today, that emphasizes breath control, a beautiful tone, and great flexibility in dynamics (going from loud to soft, for example).
opera seria: Formal, serious opera, especially from the 18th century.
cadenza: A moment near the end of an aria for the singer alone, with lots of fast, high, difficult notes, designed for showing off.
prima donna: The singer who plays the heroine, the main female character in an opera; or anyone who believes that the world revolves around her.
coloratura: A singer (usually soprano) with an extremely agile, light, pure-sounding voice, capable of easily singing fast, high notes.
recitative (“ress-it-uh-TEEV”): Speech-singing, in which the singer semi-chants the words, imitating the free rhythms of speech.
dynamics: The loudness or softness of a musical composition, or the markings in the sheet music that indicate volume.
Singspiel (“SING-shpeel”): A German opera with spoken dialogue (instead of recitative) between arias.
Leitmotif (“LIGHT-mo-teef”): A little melody that plays every time a certain character or object appears; invented by Richard Wagner.
trouser role: A man’s part played by a woman.
libretto: The script of an opera.
verismo: A realistic, “documentary” style of opera that depicts the seamy underbelly of life.
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