And we are live!

Website is launched! View my website at www.cjarrell.com.

Web site going live!

Well finally after several delays this year, the official website is ready to go! All of the design elements and content are completed, for the most part, and I am so excited to announce the arrival of this long awaited landmark. I have been planning the website for a while, and finally today I had in front of me the final draught! I sent the word after perusing it this afternoon, and we are all set to launch in the next 48 hours. I hope we don't run into any more snags- we are so so close. I will keep you posted.

I will be so glad when it happens that I just might have to celebrate.

The mailings

Every time I have to mail off an important package, I go through this. What exactly this is it's hard to say... a combination of emotions and logic rattling around my brain and body. Mostly fear of being permanently labeled and destroying my good reputation I guess. This fear though is ridiculous. I have been successful so far and have every reason to trust that I am on the right track. Somehow though my fears kick in every time I mail off an audition request or competition entry package. At some point you would think it would dissipate. I think I care too much. But that is exactly what motivates my creativity and my art.

I sent off a packet yesterday and have 2 more to send today and a few more to send after that. Mailings are not my favorite thing in the world, but are a necessary evil. If only I weren't so invested, it wouldn't be a big deal every time. But then again, how intensely exciting it is every time I hear back a positive response! Which lately has been most of the time :) And like Ian said... "You get none of the jobs that you never apply for."

Year in Review

2009
This has been a huge year for me. I was concerned earlier in the year that things would be slow going the next couple years while I transition from YAPs to fully professional mainstage gigs, but things are still spinning. I am thankful! Here are the highlights:

Jan-March 2009 Finished up my final young artist program
March/April 2009 Countess Ceprano/Paggio in Rigolettto with San Diego Opera; Created 5 year plan with input from Ian Campbell
May 2009 Audition for San Diego Symphony; Audition for company in IN; Coachings with Edoardo Muller; Kate Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly with San Diego Opera; New Headshots by Greg James
June 2009 Began work on Website (then tabled it for a while...); Began working on new competition rep; Found another great coach!
July 2009 Artist Retreat & 6 voice lessons at IU
August 2009 Bought house & set up new music studio!!! 6 more voice lessons at IU; Made recording
September 2009 Kate Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly with San Antonio Opera
October 2009 Audition for company in OH/ company in TN; Audition for company in TN; 6 more voice lessons at IU; Pitched Masterclass/Recital concept and began planning process.
November 2009 San Diego Symphony Debut; Finalist in San Antonio Artist Foundation Competition; Finalist in National Opera Association Vocal Competition; Audition for company in UT; Audition for company in TX


I am happy to say that I am right on target with goals for 2009 and have started checking a few things off 2010 as well! Thank you to my left brain for all your hard work and planning and to my right brain for continuing to dream and create. I am so glad you two decided to work together this year.

Music in Public Domain

Why didn't I know about this resource? I just printed out the piano vocal score to an aria from Les Huguenots for free! I guess I need to do better with staying up to date now that online resources are becoming so much better!

Testing testing

Oh who am I kidding, we all know I don't use a microphone...

day in review

1. 60 minutes of awesome pilates and light cardio (i got to jog in a de-weight vest that made me 20 lbs lighter!) in la la la la la jolla
2. coffee with natasha- always a joy
3. finally my laptop is back from hp-land and up and running!!! upload pictures.
4. networking
5. website
6. saint tropez on the way to rehearsal
7. final dress for madama butterfly!!
8. downtown johnny brown's.

Photos From the Last Day of my Young Artist Career

For your viewing pleasure
I thought I would post
some photos that give
some insight
into the characters
that surrounded me
over the last several months.
These pretty much
say everything.

Click on an image to see full size:

Audition today

I have an audition today at Copely Symphony Hall for the San Diego Symphony Orch Pops Series. They are hearing ballad/musical theater type things today, and then in a couple weeks will be hearing the classical things. I have never done an audition in a skirt before... I wish I had time to get a new dress, but the dress I wore to the Meet the Stars dinner last weekend will have to do. The audition will be for Marvin Hamlisch, Matthew Garbutt, and Philip Mann, and I have one musical theater ballad in my audition binder, so I will sing Till There Was You. I have a lot of other pieces in my "music to learn" stack, but have needed MT so rarely the last couple of years that one piece has been enough.

I think my breakfast date is here.... I am off to get bagels w/ Kristin!

madama butterfly- day off #2

1. new twitter account
2. networking: photos and audition
3. brunch- yogurt w berries and morning coffee
4. email
5. major blog consolidation project
6. dinner at home. blech-I now remember why I stopped using the microwave
7. practice- elizabeth proctor, sesto, cenerentola, scales, and sustained b's, c's and c#'s

Blog Consolidation

I started blogging in 2005 and have been at it on and off over the past 4 years. All the blog entries are now here in one place! Phew!

Super-CALI-fragi-fricka-FORNIA

Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Current mood: adventurous

Summer is officially over... I am going back out to san diggity this weekend. Let the packing commence!

Currently reading:
Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
By Donald Miller

2:17 PM

change

Sunday, August 17, 2008
Current mood: blessed

this has been a year full of challenges and a lot of changes and i am exactly where i want to be.

the kind of man i always dreamed of being with showed up and rescued me and we couldnt be more thankful for eachother.

the wedding was wonderful. incredibly overwhelming in a very good way. we are so loved and supported by so so many people and that is such a blessing.

THANK YOU you who are among them.

we look forward to posting pictures from the events this summer soon.

i am scheduled to arrive back in san diego two weeks from today... summer has flown by.

i emerge completely changed yet wholly the same. isn't life beautiful.

Currently listening:
Mozart - Così fan tutte / Fleming, von Otter, Scarabelli, Lopardo, Bär, Pertusi, Solti
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Release date: 1996-03-12

12:49 AM

***Good Weekend!***

Sunday, October 14, 2007

This weekend has been incredible.

First, I did my first real singing competition. The San Diego district Met auditions were on Saturday. I was pretty nervous. I had to be talked into doing them in the first place by my colleagues and directors, but it wasn't so bad! The audition itself went fine in spite of the jitters. I got some really great feedback from the judges, and lots of encouragement. And the best part is I advanced to the regional level. So I guess I will be in LA in two weeks for the next round. I'm glad I didn't chicken out!

Second, I took my first big trip to the La Jolla Shores beach! So much fun!!! Went with some friends and watched them surf. Played in the sand, caught some rays, all of that fun stuff. It was beautiful!

And third, I was given last minute tickets and a parking pass to see the Chargers beat the Raiders. We had great seats. My first live NFL experience. It was just incredible! I posted a couple cell phone pictures.

I think I am getting a tan. In October.

I love San Diego. San Diego is good.

6:14 PM

A blog about the love.

Saturday, October 06, 2007

"So how is Richard today?"

Every day Ms. Reiss, my hostess here in San Diego, asks me this question. She knows that I am on the phone with him at least 2 if not 3 or more times a day. She knows that the recent blossoming of our romance is one of the best and most cherished things in my world. She knows first hand that Richard is a caring, giving, serving, loving, patient, noble, valiant man.

"I know that is where your heart is."

A simple statement made by Ms. Reiss two days ago after the usual daily question is ringing in my ears. She sees. She knows. I can't believe that in the last few months something I never thought would happen has happened.

5 years ago we dated and the timing was off. Since then we have both dated other people and been disappointed a time or two. 5 years gave us both a lot of time to grow up and discover and define what we are looking for. He chased me again and again since then, but only this summer was I ready to be caught by him.

So here we are 5 years later. I don't know how it happened. How is Richard today? Perfect for me.

:)

2:37 PM

Summer Fab

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Hi friends!

The summer is slipping through our fingers already! 5 more weeks and I am driving off into the sunset again. Life is good though here in SA. First, I am housesitting which is fun. I can still visit my family and my dogs as much as I want but I have my own space and am in a GREAT part of town. I would love to live in Alamo Heights/ Terrell Hills some day. It is like a little town in the middle of a big city. Everything you need is really in walking distance. And I am just a couple blocks away from the HEB Central Market. This alone has completely changed my life.

Work has been good. Telephone Banking is great because I get to sit in a very comfy chair all day and change the world one phone call at a time. I have my little friends and my little routine, and it's the perfect little temp assignment for me. Couldn't be happier with a summer job. As much coffee, tea, and cocoa as my little heart desires, and I am around "normal" "non-artist" people. Wow, the world looks different in a cubicle. At least our walls are see through plexi-glass. It's more like a fish-bowl than a cell. This is the life. Well, the other life anyway.

So I am off on Sundays and Tuesdays and just hanging out in the mornings since I work a later schedule. Plenty of time to, say, learn music if I wanted to. Funny thing is, I have only learned music that I don't really have to learn. I am going to have to focus the next few weeks and do my real homework.

Because I want to be like Kimberly, here are 5 things that make me happy:

1. So much rain that I haven't had to water the lawn all summer
2. Rediscovering my home town
3. Dunn Bros Coffee (just opened in the new shopping center at the entrance to my parents subdivision... they roast their own beans in the store!)
4. Clean dogs
5. Baking Peanut Butter Cookies (and eating the dough)

10:10 PM

sleepless

I love May.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

May is a wonderfully transitional month. Things end, and things begin... And that means time off! I think I am going to make May resolutions since my schedule is about to change anyway. No time like the gift. That's why they call it a package. Oer... Yah.

1. I am going to spend more time with my family. (This shouldn't be hard since I just moved in with them.)
2. I am going to love people better.
3. I am going to learn a new piece of music every 2 weeks.
4. I am going to make some money finally!

So... yah, I found a job through the temp agency I signed up for like 8 months ago. Awesome. Once they do a background check, I think I am in. Back to banking! But this time, over the phone. Absolutely fabulous. Oh, and the best part is I will be working non-standard hours.


7:23 PM

BACK in SA

Friday, May 11, 2007

So the past month has been one of the craziest in CJ history. I have been all over the map, but am finally back home in San Antonio. Please, if you are my friend and you live here, you need call me. I want to see you! Preferably before I take some fabulous job where I work afternoons and evenings...

Things that make me happy:
1. 3 auditions and 2 offers
2. New suits
3. IU reunions in San Diego
4. Being home with my dog
5. Marble Slab with a good friend

I am a holler back girl. So holler.

7:48 AM

Help! Pick my headshot!

Online Video Clip of R&J

Sunday, April 01, 2007

There is a link on the Nashville Opera website "screening room" to a short video where you can see a small bit of me in R&J!

Click on Swordfight from Act II of Romeo and Juliet

Isn't technology great!?

9:25 PM

I've been running.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Thank you thank you thank you Nashville Opera for the YMCA membership!!!!I am thankful because...1. Being out of breath on stage is embarrasing. Especially if you are trying to sing.2. My lower back hurts a lot lately. 3. I have personal goals. I am trying to build up cardiovascular endurance by running. I am trying to combat the pain with strength training. And Lord knows swimsuit season is coming!Yesterday I ran 4 miles. What!?!? That's right. Amazing what happens when I set my mind to something. 4 miles. It felt so good. I heart the Y.

1:09 PM

Romeo and Juliet Review .2

Friday, February 02, 2007

Nashville Scene review

William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet has probably inspired more spin-offs and rip-offs than any other theatrical work. Over the centuries, this remarkable play has been transformed into a symphony, an orchestral blockbuster, a ballet, countless film and television adaptations and even a wildly successful Broadway musical. The work has made such an indelible impression on pop culture that even the most hardened cultural philistines seem to know the play's general outline. And so this story about the tragedy of hate and redemptive power of love almost always seems to work, regardless of how it's presented.

This weekend, the Nashville Opera is staging the Shakespeare classic in one of its most successful permutations, French composer Charles Gounod's opera Roméo et Juliette. Gounod's adaptation succeeds because he had the good sense not to muck with the basics of Shakespeare's story. True, he made some changes, both minor (transforming the Shakespeare character Balthasar into Stephano, a trouser role for mezzo-soprano—actually a neat little sex-change operation when you think of it) and major (Juliet reviving in the final scene to sing a duet with Romeo). But mostly Gounod resisted the urge to improve on perfection and instead focused his energies on what he did best, composing rapturously beautiful music for the human voice.

Nashville Opera's production, which opened last weekend at TPAC and repeats this Friday and Saturday, succeeds for much the same reason. Artistic director John Hoomes refused to vandalize the piece, updating the blood feud between the Montagues and Capulets into some kind of modern day mafia story in order to rip off The Sopranos. Hoomes gives us the straight story set in 16th century Italy, a production full of sword fights, period costumes and good old-fashioned acting. Nashville Opera expended its energy where it was needed most, finding the best singers.

The company couldn't have found two better leads than tenor Jonathan Boyd (Romeo) and soprano Malinda Haslett (Juliet). These singers are actually married in real life, and judging from the prolonged and steamy kiss they exchanged during the Act 2 balcony scene, it's a good bet the marriage is a happy one. More importantly, the two are fantastic singers, and both flawlessly nailed the most stratospheric high notes of this virtuoso opera. Haslett tossed off her demanding coloratura passagework as if it were child's play, singing with a creamy top voice and a silky bottom. Boyd was even more impressive, since his enormous and transparent voice could move from its chesty bottom to a nasal falsetto without the slightest hint of tension.

There were other fine performances. Philip Cokorinos (Duke of Verona/Friar Lawrence) sang with a rafter-rattling bass; Crystal Jarrell (Stephano) and Olivia Ward (Gertrude) both revealed plumy mezzo-soprano voices; and Lee Gregory (Mercutio) performed with a resonant baritone that readily captured his character's arrogance and swagger. There were also weaknesses. Bass Marc Embree (Capulet) sang with a bit too much wobble for my taste, and, as Tybalt, tenor Eric Johnston's voice seemed small for his part. But these were the vocal exceptions and, given the beauty of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra's accompaniment under Dean Williamson, barely merit mention.

One more thing about this weekend's Romeo and Juliet: it will feature a downloadable director's commentary that the audience can hear on their iPods. My suggestion—listen to this opera unplugged.

8:07 AM

Musical rehearsal for the tour

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Thanks for the camera, mom and dad!

8:30 AM

Romeo and Juliet Review

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Saturday, 01/27/07

REVIEW: Juliet and Romeo performances are best part of Opera's latest production

By JONATHAN A. NEUFELD
For The Tennessean

It is fitting that the best moments of the Nashville Opera's Friday-night performance of Charles Gounod's Romeo and Juliet were duets between the young lovers singing as one as they play out their tragic fate.

This unity of voice was all the more remarkable as Malinda Haslett's Juliet and Jonathan Boyd's Romeo matured noticeably throughout the Nashville Opera's solid, traditional take on this Shakespearean tale.

For Juliet, this was made obvious by the over-the-top immaturity Haslett was directed to display in the banquet scene where she was introduced to the Capulet crowd. She acted less like a young bride-to-be than like a 5-year-old, dashing from mother to father and burying her face shyly in their chests.

To Haslett's great credit, she gradually infused her voice with ripeness and depth as her character's music and behavior matured. To take one example: At the end of the first act, just after Romeo and Juliet have discovered their love, Juliet's violent and vengeful cousin Tybalt (engagingly sung by Eric Johnston) came onto the scene. In an aside, Juliet forebodingly sang, "In this cradle of hatred our love was born…" Haslett's voice, which had been bright and filled with new love, instantly turned inward and dark. The air of brooding introspection was enhanced both by lighting and staging — time stopped on stage as Juliet saw her own dark future.

While the Tennessee Performing Arts Center's acoustics did not treat Boyd's middle range kindly, his bright and clear tenor, aided by his superb French diction, cut cleanly through in higher registers. The focus of his tone was remarkable. Boyd's is not a rich or glossy voice — there is no syrup here. It has a sharp and powerful punch when he unleashes it, and an easy delicacy otherwise.

Lee Gregory's buoyant, strapping, cocksure Mercutio exuded humor and playful aggression both in his strong and free baritone and in his magnetic physical presence.

Marc Embree embodied Lord Capulet's fatherly pride in the opening scenes and his acting and bearing were captivating throughout. His singing, unfortunately, was another matter. His vibrato seemed to drag him both off tone and behind the pace of the orchestra, and his voice frayed at volume.

Philip Cokorinos' broad and round bass-baritone warmed the soul in Friar Lawrence's first appearance. Finally, Crystal Jarrell made me look forward to hearing her in a part more substantial than Stephano, Gounod's musical afterthought — a part like Kate Pinkerton in the Opera's spring production of Madame Butterfly.

10:53 PM

Nashville continued

Saturday, January 20, 2007

The city:
Remarkably Fabulous! Loving Nashville. I could see myself being very happy here. I hope that this Spring is just the begining of a beautiful relationship with Nashville. I have strong feelings toward this city already.

The culture:
Not too terribly different from home, actually. They say that Tennessee was representin' during the early days in Texas history. They sent some solid volunteers down our way, so the good folks of Tennessee and the good folks of Texas are like cousins. They come from the same grandparents.

The company:
LOVE THIS COMPANY. Growing very very fast and for good reason. They have lots of support from the community. They are on the cutting edge of technology and beginning to market toward the current generation. They do great standard rep but also take some big risks with obscure or new operas. Perfect balance of music and drama happening on stage. They know how to make it real and keep it real. Edgey but tasteful.

We have been busy with rehearsal for R&J the last couple weeks (and singing for guild events and dinner parties and things in between.) I hear that Opera News and NPR are both coming and considering running something about R&J because of the "director's cut/behind the scenes" in theater podcast happening for the 1st time ever in opera during the 2nd weekend of performances!!! What an exciting time to be working with Nashville Opera! It should be a great production.

I am off to our piano tech rehearsal. I will probably have some pictures in the near future... Stay tuned!

4:15 PM

Nashville

Monday, January 15, 2007

It's good! Sorry I haven't been around much, and I miss all my peeps around the country. I'm all settled in Nashville. Love it. Lots going on... I will try to give a better update soon.

Things I miss:
My sweet puppy Drake
You
Having great friends who take me out! (I'm working on it!)
My nieces
Taco Cabana

Lucky for me, Tennessee is not too much different from Texas. Or Indiana. I feel at home already in a lot of ways.

Oh and the opera co here is wonderful. I am going to have a great time I can already tell. Good people.

11:24 PM

The year in review

Hi everyone!!!

Wow, what a great year this has been! I have been richly blessed this year and am enjoying the holidays as a time of reflection and projection. It is always rejuvenating to spend time at home and to remember how you have been touched by all the special people that God has put in your life.

2006 started in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a tour of Figatroll and the Three Billy Goats Gruff. Then came Marriage of Figaro preview performances and concerts full of music from Carmen and Die Fledermaus. Working with Maestro James Caraher of Indianapolis Opera in coachings and masterclasses was encouraging and inspiring. I learned so much from the artistic staff and made some wonderful friends there. It was an experience I will never forget.

This summer I was able to return to the Mormon paradise known as Logan, Utah, to work for a second season with the Utah Festival Opera Company. The summer flew by! My dad was able to come out to Logan at the end of the summer to see some of the productions. This was such a special visit to me because I have been so far away from mom and dad for most of the shows I have done that they haven’t been able to catch as much as they would like. Or as much as I would like.

All of that changed this fall, though, as I was able to work in San Antonio from August to December. I had a job as the Administrative Director of Crownridge Music Academy and I also was in two productions with San Antonio Opera: Green Eggs and Ham, and Amahl and the Night Visitors. I am so thankful that I have finally had the chance to establish a relationship with the opera company in my home town. I am pretty sure that I will be able to come back and perform in San Antonio in the next couple of years. How perfect! Mom and Dad attended more than their fair share of my performances this fall, and many of my extended family were able to come see me perform as well.

After a refreshing fall at home, I am gearing up to move on to Nashville, Tennessee. I will be singing roles in Romeo and Juliet, The Emperor’s New Clothes, and Madame Butterfly. They are promising to keep me very busy at Nashville Opera, which is a good thing!

Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement. Happy New Year to all!

Best,Crystal Joy

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 28th, 2006 at 1:00 pm

Merry Christmas

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

What is Christmas without a little giving!? I was blessed this weekend to have the opportunity to reach out to some less fortunate teens through a ministry sponsored by the church. We brought Christmas to some wonderful individuals who don't have much in the way of family. These kids were so thankful and happy to receive love in the form of attention. And the gifts we took there were SO incredibly appreciated. I wish I had snapped a picture of how many gifts we took over there. We filled up 5 suvs with gifts!! It was incredible how much people gave!

2:40 PM

Wondering where have I been...?

Thursday, December 21, 2006

I have to say Fort Worth is a fantastic city. I wouldn't mind living here at all. In fact, it is in the top 5 places I would like to live. Maybe even top 3.

10:28 PM

Wow, I'm staying with a star!

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Watch my friend Carrie in her Rockette commercial. She is so beautiful!!! And such a great friend for letting me stay with her every December in NYC!!!

Watch the Rockette ad here!
..>

6:54 PM

Things that make me happy!

Tuesday, December 05, 2006


Five things that make me happy:

1. Seeing tons of old friends from IU at auditions.

2. Singing.

3. Family and friends who let me stay with them for extended periods of time since I am a homeless migrant worker.

4. Family and friends who let my dog stay with them for extended periods of time since I am a homeless migrant worker.

5. New beginnings full of possibility!

8:44 AM

Amahl and the Night Visitors

If you are in San Antonio, you should come hear me sing!!!

This Friday, Dec. 1, 2006
Amahl and the Night Visitors
Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St.
(210) 340-4060

The Children’s Fine Arts Series continues with performance by the SanAntonio Opera. 60 minutes; suggested for ages 5 and up. Shows at 10a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets $9 for morning show, $11 for evening show by phone.

If you have never seen Amahl, it is a sweet and wonderful Christmas story. You will love it.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 27th, 2006 at 3:42 pm

R&J Podcast

My debut with Nashville Opera will also be the firsttime an In-Performance Director’s Commentary Podcast will be availablefor an opera performance. Pretty cool!

Opera News
NEWS
Breaking News

Nashville Opera to Offer In-Performance Director’s Commentary Podcast For Upcoming Roméo
November 13, 2006

In what will likely be the first sanctioned use of an iPod during anopera performance, Nashville Opera has announced that it will offeraudience members the option of utilizing a pre-recorded director’scommentary podcast during select performances of its upcomingproduction of Roméo et Juliette.

The chance to hear the podcast will be offered during the last weekendof the company’s winter production, for performances on February 2 and3. The full-length commentary, which has yet to be developed, willreportedly feature director John Hoomes and several of the production’sprincipal artists.

"The opportunity to listen to director’s commentary in real-time duringa live performance will provide unparalleled insight into the thoughtprocesses of our director and principal artists," said Carol Penterman,Nashville Opera’s executive director. "It’s a natural extension of ourvery popular ‘In Studio with John Hoomes’ podcasts which have beenavailable since the beginning of our 2006-07 season on iTunes."

In an effort to encourage patrons to experience Gounod’s operasans-iPod during the January 26 and 28 performances, and then returnfor the performances with the commentary offered, is selling speciallypriced two-show commentary packages at its box office.
The company reportedly has undertaken the endeavor after a series of successful feasibility tests during the opera’s recent performances of Aida.

"The concept of podcasting is a new and innovative way of communicatingdirectly with our audience,” John Hoomes, the company’s artisticdirector, said in a statement issued by the company. “With thedirector’s commentary podcast, we hope to make our productions, and theart form of opera, more accessible to a wide audience through a morepersonal, and up-to-the-minute exchange of information."

This entry was posted on Monday, November 13th, 2006 at 3:37 pm

My broken niece!

Monday, November 13, 2006

My poor niece who is 5 and as sweet as can be has a badly broken arm. Here are a couple pictures of her sweetness. She had a ballet recital on my birthday and she got to wear the costume, but she wasn't able to perform. Poor thing! She is such a trooper!!!

3:32 PM

Beware of dog pictures.

Thursday, November 09, 2006
Current mood: cheerful

Drake's haircut.

He actually looks like a wire fox terrier now instead of a shaggy mess. Three cheers for dog make-over day! These pictures are for you, Joelle, so you don't have to make plans to come over. :) Much love!

He's just happy that he can see again!

7:15 AM

Amahl and the Night Visitors

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Dear Friends,

Got some good news today. I have been offered a great role in a show that is coming right up!!!

My role: The Mother
Opera: Amahl and the Night Visitors
Dates: Dec. 1 and 2
With: San Antonio Opera
Location: Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary's; 226-3333

I have been wanting to do this role this Christmas! If you haven't seen this opera before, it is such a sweet and heartwarming story. Everyone loves it!I think the Sat. pm show is open to the general public. Not sure how much tickets are, but if you want to come, let me know and I will see what I can do for you!

3:44 PM

Indianapolis Opera Ball

Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Current mood: happy

Pictures from the Masked Ball!
Most of these are of Sam, Rachel, and me. None of us had masks. Sorry. We did have fun though! Note the exciting couple of pictures with our sign in the coat room. How delightful. We were the "Indianapolis Opera Ensemble" for the event. Unfortunately I didn't get any while we were singing. Oh well... you win some, you lose some. The win some came in the form of a gift card to Saks. Unfortunately I don't think they sell anything for $25.00 or less. Oh, and another note... the jugglers came really really close to hitting my face. But there were no injuries.

3:38 PM

Un ballo in maschera (A masked ball)

Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Current mood: happy

So, many of you know that I am going up to Indiana next week. While I am there I have some lessons, coachings, and an audition. I talked to the good folks at Indianapolis Opera, and it turns out they would like me to sing (along with three friends of mine) at their annual fundraiser event, a Masked Ball! I did this last year, and it was one of the most fun events of the year. I am really excited to be going up there at the right time to be a part of the action! It should be a lot of fun. Here is some info from the website:

[image no longer available]

A signature event!
Un Ballo in Maschera V – Carnivale di Venezia
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Join Indianapolis Opera
for
Carnivale di Venezia

Enjoy a glamorous evening of dining, dancing, and the mysteries of the carnival...
The Westin Indianapolis, transformed into the setting of Venice, will ignite your imaginationand embrace you with the alluring, romantic, and extravagant Venetian Spirit!*******************************************
Should be a fun night!!! Guess I should dry clean one of my gowns.
3:03 PM

Joyce and David

Sunday, October 15, 2006
Current mood: rejuvenated

Joyce and David are some of my favorite relatives. I had a blast staying with them this weekend! It was so refreshing to connect with old friends this weekend and just to have a change of scenery really. I love being in San Antonio, but a girl can use some quality time in the metroplex every now and then. Not a bad place really... I wouldn't mind winding up there. Matter of fact, the number one job on my wish list is in Fort Worth.
Here is my top 5 things that make me happy from this weekend:

1. Baby pictures in wedding slideshows
2. jazz bands
3. long naps
4. Allison Rogers
5. Joyce's friendship bread

8:15 PM

RIP Sparky

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

My dog ended the life of one of our backyard squirrel friends. My poor niece Sara found him by the tree... Who knew such a cute little dog could be a killer!!

6:27 PM

First pork brownie, now worm salad!?!?

Thursday, October 05, 2006
Current mood: irritated

Okay, some of you guys have heard my pork brownie story. Well, here is another unbelievable dining experience to add to the collection. Tonight my dad brought home food from Bill Miller Barbeque for dinner. We all got salad and baked potatoes. My salad had a tomato in it that was home to a very busy and very alive catarpillar. That is pretty much the whole story. We took it back and they gave us another family dinner (of our choice) complete with dessert, and they were of course very apologetic.

Yikes though!

6:27 PM

Pics from G E & H

Sunday, October 01, 2006
Current mood: cheerful

Thanks to Richard for these! If any of you want to come make fun of me in my fur, we are closing this week, so come on Friday at 7:30pm or Saturday at 2:00pm. Bring a kid if you can. Enjoy!

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I like them Sam-I-am!
1:20 PM

The review

Saturday, September 30, 2006

Theater Review: 'Green Eggs,' 'McFuzz' combo a successful collaborative effort
Web Posted: 09/28/2006 01:50 PM CDT
Deborah Martin
Express-News Staff Writer

As it turns out, "Green Eggs and Ham" and "Gertrude McFuzz" make for a particularly tasty combo.
New Jersey-based composer Robert Kapilow adapted the Dr. Seuss tales into a pair of kid-friendly 15-minute operas, which Magik Theatre and San Antonio Opera teamed up to stage.

The production is bright and funny and well-worth catching.

Kapilow, who had the Seuss estate's OK for his adaptation, sticks to the text faithfully.

The double bill opens with "Gertrude McFuzz," in which a bird (Ariel Rosen) with one scraggly tail feather and some serious self-esteem issues longs for the grandeur of haughty Lolla-Lee-Lou (Athena Suline Boneta), who swishes about with two lush tail feathers. Gertrude eats a berry that causes her to sprout an additional tail feather, but that isn't quite enough, so she eats more berries, sprouts more feathers and is soon so weighted down by them that she can't fly. The feathers have to be yanked out, and Gertrude comes to feel comfy in her own skin, even if it is festooned with just one tail feather.

Rosen gives an assured comic performance, but sprightly Athena more than holds her own. The 7-year-old cutie oozes attitude as she sashays about, sticking out her tongue and showing off those feathers.

"Green Eggs and Ham" follows the efforts of the determined Sam-I-Am (another entertaining turn from Athena) to get The Grump (well-played by Crystal Jarrell) to give green eggs and ham a try. By the end of the piece, the youngsters in the audience were clearly on Sam-I-Am's side .. cries of "Try it! Try it!" came from all over the theater.

Most of the sung parts are handled by a pair of strong sopranos. Gail Wettstein narrates "Gertrude McFuzz," and Jarrell takes care of it in her role in "Green Eggs and Ham."

Kapilow's jazzy score is served well by both singers and by music director Jaime Ramirez, who recorded it for the show.

The action plays out on a beautiful Seussian-set, designed by Chris Boneta. The stage is bracketed by those distinctive, feathery trees, and all of the setpieces .. including a train, a car and a box in "Green Eggs and Ham" .. look like they popped from the books.

Director Dave Morgan added a couple of stagehands (played by Mollie La Rue and Dylan Collins) to the Magik staging. They introduce both shows .. La Rue also reads "Gertrude" so that the kiddoes know what's ahead .. and chat a little bit about opera. They also make quick appearances in both shows, wheeling in setpieces, helping Athena fly and adding to the physical comedy. They have a breezy chemistry that works well and adds to the overall fun of the shows.

"Green Eggs and Ham" and "Gertrude McFuzz" can be seen at 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 2 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 7 at Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. Tickets cost $8 to $10. Call (210) 227-2751 for reservations.

dlmartin@express-news.net
San Antonio Express-News
publish date Sept. 29, 2006

2:41 PM

I can't take it...

Saturday, September 30, 2006

...when people don't answer my calls.I'd rather know than wonder.

2:31 PM

Pics from Marble Slab

Friday, September 29, 2006

Girls night!My nieces are sooooo cute!!!

They all came to the show tonight, and we had a lot of fun afterward. Ice cream makes everyone happier!!

10:06 PM