Friday, October 29, 2010

Halloween .... Atlanta Opera style!

And the winner is... Stephanie... for "getting her Frida on!"
Where's the monkey?


The Atlanta Opera gang in all their costume glory.


The phantom helps this young lady pay off her student loans.


If you donate to The Atlanta Opera, you can get a palm reading!


Ashley Ga Ga, Hera, and Frida.


Mr. Strange.


Rae and her "white lies." She really DOES want to work this weekend...

Frida and Bret, the astronaut, plan a trip to Mars -- but WAIT.... you can't take the monkey!
CIA? A man in black? Secret service? Johnny Cash? It's anyone's guess...


Cowgirl Dallas and her trusty side-kick, Indi.



Kitty Litter.


Disgruntled employee...

Monday, October 18, 2010

The reviews are in....

Thank you loyal patrons and first-time opera-goers, for your overwhelming response to our 2010-2011 season opener, La bohème! We love to hear about your experiences. Thank you for sharing them with us. Here are some of our favorites!


“I am not going to read another review until after I have seen a performance in the future, as the AJC reviewer must not have seen the same production I did! I thoroughly enjoyed the singers, their acting, the chorus, the orchestra, the staging--the whole afternoon was a joy to behold. May your other endeavors be as entertaining and enjoyable and a pleasure to the ear and the eye. My wish is for your continued success. Better yet, I don't think I will read any more reviews!”

By Barbara – Oct 18, 2010


“We had never seen La bohème before. It was a great production- the music, singing, sets etc. La bohème ranks with the best opera we have seen, which includes Tosca at La Scala and many at the N.Y. Metropolitan.”

By Frank & Frances - Oct. 18, 2010


“We just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the Sunday matinee of La bohème, which happens to be the very first opera I'd seen many years ago at The Met. The performers were fantastic, the sets magnificent, the music splendid. We had invited another couple to join us. They had moved to this area from NYC several years ago, and had enjoyed front row center seats at The Met for many years. He said the performance was “world class,” and he's much more experienced than I. Congratulations to all… glad we are season subscribers!”

By William - Oct 18, 2010


“The Sunday matinee performance was the second Atlanta Opera production my wife and I have attended since moving to Smyrna from Boston late last year. We saw and thoroughly enjoyed Aida in the Spring and subsequently purchased season tickets. La bohème was every bit as good, and we are eagerly looking forward to the Gershwin and Mozart productions that will be coming up in 2011”

By Berni - Oct 18, 2010


“Magnifique.......the only word I can use to describe it! This opera is more than 100 years old, yet it is just as beautiful as if it were the first time I had seen it. I can only put myself into the seat of those who first heard this magnificent piece of music. My compliments to the cast, chorus and supernumeraries. You have all put Atlanta onto the Opera Map.”

By Bonnie - Oct 18, 2010


“We are new to the greater Atlanta area and attended with 5 of our neighbors. Sensational is the best I can come up with! The [orchestra], staging, preformers, quality, and “awe factor” all exceeded expectations. When the second act closed and everyone froze in action, it looked like a famous painting. It was so exquisite.”

By Jim - Oct 18, 2010


“Beautiful singing, gorgeous orchestral music, terrific costumes, wonderful sets, fabulous production. Fantastic!”

By Jim & Trudy‎ - Oct 18, 2010

Friday, October 8, 2010

The lighter side of La bohème...

We all know that our beloved Mimì perishes in the end. It is tragic to see two lovers torn apart, but La bohème is also very funny. Below is Tim Wikerson's picture gallery of the "lighter side" of this season’s production of La bohème.





























Photos Courtesy of Tim Wilkerson

Usage of any images on this blog is restricted to The Atlanta Opera and approved news websites. Any other usage, particularly for professional purposes, must have written permission. For additional information, please contact The Atlanta Opera's Marketing Department at 404.881.8801.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Mrs. Woodward Goes to the Opera


The Atlanta Opera has a great tradition - Mrs. Jerrie Woodward's reviews of our Final Dress Rehearsals. Mrs. Woodward is the mother of one of our board members, Bob Woodward. For years, The Atlanta Opera staffers have come in to work to find her impressions of our newest productions in our inboxes. They are delightful, observant, and constant reminders that what we do touches many lives. She writes these reviews as "thank you letters" to her son. That alone, tugs at our heart strings.

As we open our 2010/2011 season with Puccini's La bohème, let's take a moment to reflect on what Mrs. Woodward has to say, and try to put our own impressions into words.


* * *


Dear Bob,

When I leave a performance of Atlanta Opera, I’m eternally grateful for the Cobb Energy Center. What a difference it has made in the enjoyment of the Opera and the ease of my getting there and back. As I think back on how it was at the Civic Center, I utter a prayer of thanks. Beauty begets beauty, whatever the art.

Now, to tonight’s final rehearsal of La bohème that enchanted the fairly large audience in attendance. I imagine most everyone attending knew the sad story, but the director presented a cast that brought the story to life in a beautifully unique way. The four “good ole boys” exhibited true comradeship, sharing what little material things they had, as well as the frustration and pain of trying to find true love.

After beginning a bit timidly, Hymel’s Rodolfo soon won me over as the sensitive lover and soul mate of Mimì. His beautiful tenor filled the hall, and his personality made me fall in love with the poet, too. I love a guy who can empathize with a lonely and sickly maiden, as well as listen to her story of common poverty portrayed in poetic language - I guess that’s the poet in himself. A close rival for my affection was Marcello. In fact, the entire cast was excellent - all strong and commanding. I wish Mimì had let her hair down sooner, though.

The orchestra was very, very good – with a full, great tone. It was the best the orchestra has performed in many performances. The sets worked well in all scenes, whether the mood was up or down.

The scene at Café Momus was somewhat overcrowded, making it difficult to find which one was singing, and subsequently how the story was going. I think less would have been more.

The death scene really pulled my heart strings. Rodolfo was magnificent in his portrayal of heartbroken grief, Mimi looked more beautiful in death than life, and a real tear rose in response to this tragic ending. I do wish the audience could wait until the orchestra has ended the last note and let it settle in the heart before applauding.

It is a terrific beginning for the 2010-11 season. I truly hope Atlanta takes advantage of the excellent opportunity to experience live opera on its home turf. Why go anywhere else for an evening of pure dedication and delight?

Thanks for the tickets. All of us were in one accord of praise for the company of The Atlanta Opera.

Love, Mother