At the Washington Nationals Stadium, Kate, Susie, and I (plus about11,000 other folks--including Ms. Green M&M) went to the Washington National Opera's free "Opera in the Outfield." It was a gorgeous afternoon, so why not stretch out on the outfield, have a picnic, and listen to a few arias?
Simulcasted on the big Jumbotron from the Kennedy Center was Verdi's "Un Ballo in Maschera"--a story about the Swedish King Gustav and his love for Amelia, the wife of his best friend. Love, dark magic, death scenes--it had everything a good opera should have. Placido Domingo welcomed everyone, setting the stage for the opera, and then "Play Ballo!"
We giggled at the thought of always having to sing (and repeat the lines) your conversations to each other. We attempted to have an aria about sausages and cheese... not sure Verdi would have approved. Three acts and 4 hours later, the King has died, the friend pardoned, and the Swedish nation redeemed. Plus, at the end of the opera, the singers came on stage to take their bows with Nats ball caps on--a perfect ending!
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