Last year, I wrote about our outing to see "Carmen" at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, which is located on the southern edge of downtown Austin. As a result, we ended up getting season tickets for this year. Last night, I took my son to see "La Boheme". My wife would have gone, but it's a little trickier when you have a seven-month old baby who doesn't yet take a bottle.
We had a great time, and I have to re-state that I think the Austin Lyric Opera puts on an absolutely top-notch show. The Long Center itself is a beautiful facility with a dramatic view of the downtown skyline. Outside, they have a large, open, rounded patio with a smaller underlit section that's fun for photos and just for playing. It reminds me a little bit of the disco floor from "Saturday Night Fever".
I hadn't seen this show before, so I had to read up on it ahead of time in the program to make sure I knew the basic story line. That being said, one of my favorite things about seeing a foreign-language opera at the Long Center is.........the subtitles. It sure makes it a lot easier to track what's happening when you can read the English version. :) You can probably see the small screen above the stage here:
I dressed up for the first time in a long while (see photo). I made my wife take a quick picture to prove that I still knew how to wear a tie. After seeing this picture, I am halfway motivated to wear a jacket more often.
Overall, it was a really fun time with my kid, and I look forward to the next one, which is in early January.
I hope you enjoy the pics! I didn't have a camera, so these were taken with my iPhone.
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Jason - This is really cool you took your son to see an Opera and in a foreign language. How did you son like La Boheme? I think every child need to be exposed to classical music as well as an Opera.
Aahhhh. The opera. I wish I could say I was sophisticated enough to enjoy - but I never made it sitting through the whole thing .... Carmen was one. I forget the others ... :)
Petra - We both really enjoyed it. The cast was terrific!
Jason, I still enjoy my coat and tie especially when it is for a night out.
When I lived in NYC, my parents would drag me kicking and screaming to the opera and the ballet.
Now that I'm older, I'm certain I'd appreciate it much more than I did then.
By the way, that suit rental looks great on you!
Don't worry about responding, I know you have to get it back before 6PM or they'll charge you for another day!!!
I love the opera... used to go all the time when I lived in SF. Glad you enjoyed the experience and also introduced your son to a wonderful art form.
Jason, are you sure those pics were not taken with a "U-phone" ????? (hehehehehe)
And what about those color selection(s)..... it has been a while since you have dressed up.....
(light colored pants and a dark jacket...... come on now............ ) ;-)
I am sure you had a great time, bro.......
=-)
Alex - I think you might need a refresher course yourself. That's a navy blazer, dude:
http://www.tomjames.com/US/news/blazer.asp - every one of these pictures has the model with light colored pants - just FYI :)
Wow, looking sharp and going to the opera - big steps for a "good ol'" boy from Texas! :-)
Mike
Jason, How wonderful that you're enjoying this with your son. I saw this opera at Lincoln Center and loved every second of it (I had no idea I was an opera fan...it was my first). We had subtitles on the backs of the seats in front of us :)
I think exposing children to the arts at an early age is wonderful, I tried to do the same thing.
Hi Jason... I am always tickled when I wear a suit or jacket and tie... people look at me and ask whether I had a job interview or a funeral to attend! Glad to hear that you and Brandon enjoyed La Boheme!
Steve - I would get the same reaction myself. It was a great time! I am listing Jenny's house right now, by the way. :)
I was lucky enough to see my first Opera in Grade 8 - I had an amazing english teacher - mr. May who wanted to share his love of opera with us. I think it's great you took your son - to have children exposed to art and culture before they might start thinking it's 'uncool' is so important. Since then I've seen many operas but Madame Butterfly will always be my Favorite - because it was my first :-)
Jason,
How fortunate you are to go to the opera...my Dad was a professional tenor in the Fred Waring Band (way before our time in the big band era)...wanted to sing opera...but alas...not enough carry.
BTW...you clean up good...I am impressed! LOL!
Lori - Thanks for the compliment! I am wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and a ball cap today - not quite as suave, huh? Your dad was a professional tenor? That is awesome!
I guess my color blindness is worse than I thought, hehehehe....
I did not get into the Navy because of green color blindness in my left eye......
WOW........
Thanks for letting me know, man...............
=-)
Alex - I was just yanking your chain a little bit. I went to private school throughout my education - I know how to dress up! :) I hope things are going well in your new locale. God bless your weekend, my friend.
Jason, you definitely should "dress up," more often. Very handsome! :-)
I'm glad that you enjoyed Bohème - it's one of my favorites (although my husband insists it's not "meaty" enough, for him). In fact, I'm fond of most of Puccini's operas - they're so lyrical, and full of tunes one can hum, afterward.
What was your son's reaction?