Volume 47, Number 8 · May 11, 2000
Doing Opera
By Jonathan Miller
One of the more amusing hazards of producing opera in Great Britain is the occasional backstage visit of a royal patron. As she makes her way down the awkwardly curtseying line of principals, often more lavishly dressed than the titled visitor, aides and equerries who bring up the rear politely quiz the producer about his job. 'Presumably you have to be here every night.' 'No, not exactly.' 'Oh really! I thought you had to stand in the wings and tell the singers where to go.' 'Well, the thing is they know that by the time we open.' 'I see. Then what is it you producer chaps actually do?' Well, yes, that is the question.
Feature, 5896 words
To read the full text of this piece, please choose one of the following options:
|
If you are already a subscriber to the Review's electronic edition, please sign in: |
To subscribe to the electronic edition, please press the button below. |
To purchase access to this article for $3, please press the button below. |