Capriccio

This morning was my dress circle début. Final dress rehearsal of Capriccio. There are probably worse ways to escape from the freezing cold. I missed the star spotting opportunities of the stalls and grand tier, but on the other hand, I had a perfect seat to watch the chandeliers float up to the ceiling. (Hey, I'm a Met-baby, this is still exciting for me.) Also, it was Strauss, and Strauss from anywhere is still, well, Strauss. 

I don't want to make too much specific comment now, since it was a dress rehearsal, but I will say that my admiration for Sarah Connolly continues unabated — gorgeous Clairon in a gorgeous frock — and it was really nice to actually hear Renée in person. Also, while I'm not the scenery-applauding type (at least, not literally), this is one pretty production. But then, John Cox was also responsible for Opera Australia's sublime Arabella, so I was aware of his abilities in that respect.

After the show I spent a blissful half hour wandering through the gift shop. (I love gift shops. It's a bit of a fixation.) Picked up a Beverly Sills CD I didn't know existed, and the Nunzilla pictured below. Strauss, Beverly and angry wind-up nun, all in one afternoon? That's what I'd call success.