The 2009 Opera Season
We Welcome Opera NJ and Programs sponsored by Encore
The Cabaret concert on Monday, July 20 featured performances by Michael Ching, Director of "The Abduction of Seraglio" and Curt Olds who plays Ko-Ko in The Mikado. (Photos appear below.) We are indebted to the PHS Senior Living Foundation for making programs such as this possible.
A glimpse of the Cabaret production with Curt Olds
performing in the Main Lounge.
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Michael Ching presenting selections from his original repertoire.
On Tuesday, July 28, 2009, Michael Ching. Artistic and General Director of Opera Memphis posted this blog on the
Internet:
"While at Opera New Jersey, I stayed at a lovely retirement community in Hightstown called Meadow Lakes. I met several of the residents and one of the many remarkable ones is Don Smith. Don turns out to have been a pianist at the New York City opera in the late '50s. He is the pianist on the original recording of Douglas Moore's
BALLAD OF BABY DOE which was conducted by Emerson Buckley. He played a production at Dallas Opera starring Maria Callas. In addition to Opera, he was the rehearsal pianist for the Ed Sullivan Show and then at Radio City Music Hall for three decades. Don keeps his piano chops up and plays classical music and classic pop songs."
Editor's Note: Needless to say, we, at Meadow Lakes, know how wonderful Don's music is.
Costume Design
Below, Ms. Patty Hibbert shows the seams that make alterinig a garment possible.
Meadow Lakes resident, Dana Stevenson, models head gear, a choice
piece among the many elegant and elaborate costumes.
Four members of the costume staff participated in the costume seminar on June 27th.
Some scenes from "The Mikado" dress rehearsal - July 2009
The Mikado
From January 30 through February 8th, living among us, some staying in the Guest House, others in empty apartments, artists of Opera New Jersey rehearsed for the performance of Die Fledermaus. The cast practiced on the floor of the auditorium and held a costumed rehearsal on February 9th and a final dress rehearsal on the stage at McCarter Theatre after that.
Frosch as played by Anthony Laciura
Miscellaneous pictures taken during rehearsals follow.
Scene with Count Orlofsky and Eisenstein
Titiana Vieira, Rehearsal Pianist
Eisenstein played by Allan Glassman, Dr. Falke played by Keith Phares;
Frank played by David Ward; Ida played by Allison Pohl
Photo by Bruce Fuller
Rosalinde, Frank, and Ida
Leah Summers plays the part of Count Orlofsky. In foreground: Titiana Vieira, pianist
Note Costumes arrayed on the stage
Alan Glassman as Eisenstein; Rachele Gilmore as Adele; Keith Phares as Dr. Falke; David Ward as Frank