8/31/2006

Get Your Freak On

I finally got my opera tickets for the coming year which makes me quite happy.

This will be the Canadian Opera Company’s inaugural season at the shiny new Four Seasons Centre. That seems a lovely and perfect name until you remember the corporate association. When I think of people singing in hotels, I think more about vacation sex than opera.

Corporate naming and renaming annoys the hell out of me but if it gets big money thrown at the arts, I guess I can live with it. Lyle Lovett made a point about this too when he played here at the Hummingbird Centre.

The Hummingbird used to be the O’Keefe so we went from a beer company to a business solutions company. As a venue, it’s pretty good and I’ve seen some great shows there but for opera, it’s a little like being in a barn.

Apart from claims of acoustical superiority and improved sightlines at the Four Seasons, I read somewhere that the people watching opportunities will be vastly improved owing to the design. Now that’s something worth talking about.

It’s all about you and the night and the music. I get to point and laugh at what you’re wearing, revel in my superior taste, hear some great singing and go home with a smile on my face. I mean, it’s not vacation sex but it’s still pretty damned good.

25 comments:

Chancelucky said...

Wow, you get to get your freak on twice? :}. Have fun at the opera.

Dale said...

Funny Chancelucky -- the post showed up twice so I deleted the duplicate. Thanks.

Tumuli said...

"When I think of people singing in hotels, I think more about vacation sex than opera."

Best line ever.

mellowlee said...

Gee, I think I need to go on Vacation! I'm happy for you that you got your tix. When is the first show? I'm looking forward to the reviews...of the opera not vacation sex. Sorry, I just had to add that just in case ;)

AL RULES said...

i knew you were a fancy lad...

the people in the discussion forum were right about you...

justacoolcat said...

Season tickets? What a high roller. I only get to pretend and be a high roller when I get tickets. They are stage left, row six, and amazing. Though it only happens a few times a year the free is well worth it. Same with the vacation sex.

chelene said...

First of all, Dale of Canada, as far as corporate sponsors go, the Four Seasons isn't that awful. I can think of much, much worse things they could have called it. Think of those poor people who have to watch the Canadiens play in the Molson Centre.

The new place looks gorgeous. Have a wonderful time. (Is there some rule that opera houses have to be almost all glass and steel?)

Coaster Punchman said...

Hmmmm... vacation sex - is that better than make-up sex? Or maybe if you fight on vacation, and then make up, is that the best sex available?

Old Lady said...

Vacation sex and opera tickets-that's a powerful combination.

Dale said...

Glad you thought so Tumuli. You're very wise and carry a good soundtrack around with you. I trust you.

It's sucky Lee because the first show is not until November so you'll just have to wait. In the meantime, would you like some vacation brochures to look at?

Fancy you coming out of hiding Al! It's good to be talked about by those people and generally lurked at.

The thing is JaCC, a season here only amounts to 6 operas. If we were talking NYC, that'd be a season! I wish there were more but I'll take what I can get. There is another excellent baroque opera company here called Opera Atelier and they generally do 2 shows a year so sometimes I manage them as well. I'm glad you get the free shows and sex that God and Wifey accord you.

Good point Chelene, it does get off easily in this case. I've consulted the rule book and yes, glass and steel. Which is better than say Danielle Steele.

It's the best sex money can't buy CP! Good thinking. Fight on vacation everyone! Even if you're alone.

mellowlee said...

Wow, I just saw the pictures you posted. It looks amazing!

Dale said...

I can't wait Lee. It's been in the works for years so it has to be good right? If it's not, well, look for me in the headlines!

Mob said...

Enjoy your pointing and reveling sir, it looks like a very cool venue to do it in based on the pics.

Dale said...

Should be cool Mob and perhaps even civilized. Oh wait, there will be people there so many not so civilized.

nouseforaname said...

Ohh aren't you the cultured one... I would have never guessed...

Cup said...

I'm so impressed, Mr. Passion of the Dale, with your opera season tix. Every year I say I'll do the same; I think you've inspired me to do it.

I've seen Pavarotti perform live, in Portland on New Year's Eve 1994. Does that score me any points?

Melinda June said...

What a great season! Nice mix of challenging and pure fun. I saw Jane Eaglen sing elektra in seattle and have mixed feelings about that one...will be interested to hear what you think.

Are you doing the Ring Cycle, too? If so, have you been training?

anne altman said...

ha ha ha. (my opera laugh)

anne altman said...

ps money doesn't buy class. once my mom went to the opera and during intermission went up to check out the set. a woman the second row was flossing her teeth.

Dale said...

Hey Shroomy, when I get out of that cage, I do all sorts of fun things!!

Hmmm how big was he in 1994 Beth? Yep, definite points.

I'm a bit worried about Elektra MJ as I often hear people say things like you just did but I'll be sure and write about it. They've premiered one by one the individual operas of the Ring Cycle over the past few seasons. Two of them I loved but I don't think my wallet has the stamina to support the whole Cycle at once.

Loved the laugh Anne, it took me right into a scene where I compared Ewa Podles performing as Julius Caesar to a chicken clucking and laughing. I hope she shared that floss with you, it's fun to share. Mmmm.

lulu said...

You know, vacation sex frequently isn't as good as vacation sex.

Dale said...

Hmm, okay Lulu. But I'm betting that it's at least as good as vacation sex.

X. Dell said...

So, what's on the program? Do you prefer French, Italian or German Opera?

Dale said...

You're a lazy link non clicker X. Dell:

Cosi fan tutte
Faust
Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk
Luisa Miller
Elektra
La Traviata

I love Italian opera but have come to appreciate German, French and even opera sung in some of the throat clearing languages like Czech.

Dale said...

Sounds like things are in a terrible state there. I guess you'll have to come up here for a listen A-A.