|
The Ballad of Baby Doe 50th Anniversary A BANG-UP JOB OF A BIRTHDAY PARTY!!
A colorful new production of The Ballad of Baby Doe provided the exciting centerpiece of a celebration, in Central City, Colorado, of the anniversary of the opera's premiere fifty years ago in the town's famed opera house. The event, hosted by the Central City Opera Association on June 30th and July 1st, 2006, attracted members of the cast, musicians and stage crew from the original production, in addition to loyal DoeHEADS from New Mexico, Washington, California, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, New York and Wisconsin. Though the Friday matinee performance, starring Jake Gardner, Joyce Castle and Joanna Mongiardo served as the festivities' primary feature, attendees were also treated to a "reunion" luncheon held in the historic Johnson House, a pre-performance piano lecture in the Williams Stable building, a bus trip to the Tabor sites in Leadville, a beautifully catered dinner in the Teller House and a panel discussion that featured, among others, Mimi Shaw, the wardrobe mistress for the 1956 production, and Leyna Gabriele, one of the two sopranos who originated the title role.
The special vibes were invigorating and even the weather co-operated most of the time, which is evident from the attached photos, most of which were taken by DoeHEAD Gareth Rosenau of Takoma Park, Maryland. Special thanks are due to the folks at Central City Opera, including Pelham Pearce, John Moriarty, Deb Hruby, Valerie Hamlin and Deborah Morrow.
|
