2011

We took the bus up to New York on Thursday (traffic not as bad as expected–industrious New Yorkers battling the monster snows, most streets clear, if not all side walks) because we had a very important date at the Met, with the Girl of the Golden West–La Fanciulla Del West! This is Puccini’s famous American opera, set in a mining camp in the high Sierra’s, where the angelic Minnie tends bar at the Polka Saloon, courted by the villainous sheriff Jack Rance, and adored by the rough but good hearted miners, to whom she gives Bible lessons.
Yes, really.
They sing about how they miss the old folks at home (“Quanto, oh quanto piangerà!”) and one of them even breaks down, so they raise money to send him back to La Mama mia. Miners are a sentimental bunch, it appears. Then they buy Whisky (“Whisky per tutti!”) and play cards.
But then the Outlaw comes in, disguised!
And he and Minnie fall in love! And she invites him up to her cabin in the mountains! Minnie gets ready to entertain the Outlaw with the help of her Indian housekeeper Wowkle. Wowkle is the Squaw of Billie Jackrabbit (Sample conversation between Wowkle and Billie: “Ugh!” “Ugh”.)
So, anyway, is the big night! The little cabin in the mountains, the mountains in the back ground, the tall trees.
And the snow is falling!
And her outlaw rides in on a REAL HORSE!
There were others in the first act also! We counted THREE of them, a brown one, a white one, and a black one.
This is why we go to the Met.
Well, also for the heartbreakingly lovely music and astonishing stage craft and gorgeous singing.
A splendid evening.

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