Aida

Aida — Brava!!!
I loved it! Sad and beautiful and the finale with Aida and Radames was so sweet…
As I was leaving I heard some guy say «Why they call it Aida? They should call it «Other Lady.» This, my broken English friend, is true. The role of Amneris, daughter of the King, is so much meatier — for you Broadway folk — she gets a «Bitter Bitch Ballad» and it’s fantastic. Congratulations Stephanie Blythe, you were a star.
During the second intermission, I heard someone complain that there were no elephants in the second act. Look, times are tough and everyone is making cuts. There were still plenty of horses and a ginormous cast.
And so I take this opportunity, fellow Unilocalers, to introduce you to opera. Perhaps some of you already go. But. in case you haven’t:
Myself, I like the nosebleed seats. I am a Family Circle girl. (though I do tend to go alone) They level the opera playing field. Try them. I have never been sorry that I went. I have never fallen asleep. I have been on the edge of my seat, mesmerized, amazed at the skills these people bring to the stage, the creativity of the set directors, the costumes and the ability of the composers to tell these magical stories through song. It is, truly a breathtaking experience. Think of Julia Roberts (hooker with a heart of gold — Pretty Woman) — she cried!
Helpful Hints: take these serious, yo.
No, you do not have to wear a tux or ball gown. Unless you are attending the première. In which case, you are not reading this. But for heaven’s sake, please, make an effort! No jeans! No sneakers! No hats! (unless they are unobtrusive Facinators). Look like a grown up on a grown up night out.
A fun thing to do is read the synopsis of the first few acts if you’re not familiar with the work, but not the last two. Seriously — surprise yourself!
Ladies: wear clapping jewelry. Look, I wish someone would remind me of this. Large rings and bangles hurt. You are expected to clap. A lot.
Wear layers, but not bulky ones. There is a coat check, but do you want to be there at the end of the night? You’re gonna have to sit with your shit, so don’t bring a lot.
Bringing us to the most important: Eat before you go and drink nothing. Yeah, it’s a long show. 3 – 6 hours, depending on the show. Eat protein and whole grains before you go and don’t drink for at least a few hours before show time. You are gonna have so many places to go and soooo much to talk about afterward. Trust me, your American bladder can stand some dehydration. Take Altoids as provisions. Everyone will appreciate this.
And lastly: BRING SOME TISSUES! I’m not suggesting that your gonna Pretty Woman all over the place, but you’ll need a place to put your snot. Cause it’s winter, and we all have some.
Wait — no — this is my lastly: WAIT UNTIL GROUP SINGING OR APPLAUSE TO HOCK THAT LUGEY!
And now, you, my friend, are ready for the opera.
Enjoy, and maybe the Met will be able to afford some elephants.