THE LIFE OPERATIC
Decked out in dramatic fishtail gowns, dazzling beaded columns, fabulous furs and tony tuxes, music lovers headed to the Los Angeles Opera for an unforgettable opening night. They waltzed down a tented red carpet complete with hanging chandeliers and made their way to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for a much-anticipated production of “La Traviata.”
Eli and Edye Broad were among the most popular people at the Founders Room VIP reception. The Broads recently gifted the LAO with a cool six million to help make the company’s long awaited Ring cycle a reality.
“You have Edye to thank for that,” Broad told Malibu Seen. “She’s the big Wagner fan in the family.”
Soon it was show time and the LAO pulled out all the stops in one of its most lavish and memorable productions ever.
Super soprano Rene Fleming sang her heart out in what seemed like every moment of the three-hour extravaganza. The diva appeared opposite Rolando Villazon as Alfredo and Renato Bruson, who played Alfredo’s father. In addition to the all-star cast, it was a big night for Music Director James Conlon, who was making his LAO debut.
Against the backdrop of a 19th Century Parisian garden, a sea of singers and dancers took to the stage with crinoline hoop skirts, tight bodices and flowers in their hair.
Off stage, the apparel was equally striking. Opera aficionado Cat Pollen came decked out in a black tulle confection of her own design. Tomas Decker looked sharp in his classic tux, with Mrs. D sporting vintage Ralph Lauren and a striking Etro wrap.
Music maven Ginny Mancini, meantime, who showed off her wild side in a leopard print chiffon, was blown away by the first half of the performance. “Rene is just incredible,” she marveled to Malibu Seen. “How she can hit that range I just don’t know.”
There were more sumptuous sets to come in act two with the extravagant party scene taking place in a red velvet Victorian parlor complete with sweeping staircase, gas lamps and smoky mirrors; not to mention dancing gypsies and sexy matadors.
After the final bows and a standing ovation, the festivities continued under the stars. Revelers spilled into the outdoor plaza, which was transformed into a romantic garden filled with fragrant magnolia trees, towering centerpieces, packed white roses, shimmering blue table cloths and gold etched goblets.
Musicians cranked out a selection of jazzy standards as guests tucked into a dinner of smoked salmon with avocado mousse, herb roasted lamb tenderloin with sweet corn pancakes and almond meringue.
With accolades all around, it was a first-class kick off to what promises to be another season of magic at the LAO.
Actress Doris Roberts summed the sentiments of many by saying, “This is opera the way it was meant to be.”