I know I said my next post would be a video, but I haven't had the time and I didn't want another week to go by without checking in!
It's been a full, busy week. The rehearsal schedule has basically been 10-2, break from 2-6 and then back from 6-10....you would think the break in the middle of the day would be good, but I find myself staying away from apartment so I won't be tempted to nap! Napping seems to be the demise of the international traveler...getting myself adjusted to the time here (I'm 10 hours ahead) has been smoother than I expected-and for that matter than I experienced last year when I went to Prague. But I know if I come home and nap in between rehearsal, I won't go to bed! And with it being so light all the time, it throws your mind off a bit...thankfully, I have darkening shades in my room!
There is an appalling lack of croissants here. :) They have wonderful pastries, but I have yet to find a fresh croissant in the small bakery at the local market. I can take a hint. :)
The show is completely staged now....and I have worked my way through Act 1 and tomorrow will work through Act 2. I observed the first few days I was here-took lots of notes and even some video footage that I could later watch and reference if I had questions. I'm not the quickest tool with staging...but I've been pleased with how quickly I've picked up the staging on this production...I think it's cause I know this music rather well and so I'm not too worried about musical things. The conductor is VERY nice and has a great charm about him...he's personable and friendly. He's french, but works a lot in the states....in fact, he's the music director of Washington National Opera in DC. The director of the show is german and is also very kind. He has a lot of energy and a very interesting concept for this show...Lohengrin is an artist...and there are lots of swans. Lots. :) I was staging Act 2 the other day with Rich and at one point, Lohengrin (Rich) pulls a paper swan out of his back pocket. Telramund comes over and tears it up and Lohengrin pulls out another :) I started laughing on stage. I completely understand the concept, but how many of those does he have in his back pocket?! :))) The chorus is AMAZING. Just absolutely remarkable...and so supportive and loving. One gal came up after rehearsal yesterday and asked for a voice lesson. I was flattered....I don't wanna crush her and tell her that I don't really have a clue as to what I'm doing :)
The castle is gorgeous...the stage is enormous. At one point I'm supposed to run across the stage and then run back and then sing. (insert laugh and snort) Yeah. That probably won't be happening, but I nodded and smiled at the director and in the rehearsal space (which is a fraction of the size of the stage) I ran so at least he knows I making the effort. :) Sometimes directors forget that we have to sing this music....and there are limits to what a singer can do physically...within reason. I'm not a proponent of standing and singing, but I also am not a marathon runner. Plus I don't wanna trip. I'm wearing a shoe that has a chunky heel and we all know that could end badly for me. :)))
Savonlinna has it's own version of Walmart...it's really cool. I ventured out to City Market and got a bunch of groceries as well as a fan! :) Now I own my OWN European fan. That sucker is coming home with me....it was $40EU and I'm not leaving it behind as a parting gift!
So far, I'm having a great time. Everyone is really kind and workable and I think we are all excited to open this show...
Hope you all are doing well...Gabe arrived home safely from Rwanda...I got to talk to him and hear his voice after not talking to each other for a week!
I have pulled the flip camera out of the suitcase (yeah-I'm not unpacked) and I will take some footage so you can all see what I am describing in these posts! :)
Much love-
A