When Michigan Opera Theater moved into the newly renovated
(with ongoing renovations) Detroit Opera House 25 years ago, the musicians in
the orchestra found we were given a few perks which we had not previously
enjoyed in our rented facilities. The
biggest difference was in the pit itself; spacious, multi-level and partially
under the stage.
Another amenity was the use of a conveniently located
orchestra room. Though not beautifully decorated, its utilitarian space
included two small rooms that could be used for practicing or changing clothes,
tables and chairs, a bulletin board, humidifier and lockers. Continuing
renovations brought an additional two practice rooms on the 4th
floor with electronic keyboards and carpet.
All of these spaces were put to good use during our recent
run of Phantom of the Opera. Many of
us arrived early to get a good parking place, warm up in the practice rooms, go
out for coffee or tacos, work on various projects or simply chat with our
fellow musicians. The collegial atmosphere was especially apparent between
shows on the weekends. As the show ran during January 20-21, the inauguration of
president Trump and the subsequent Women’s March on Washington, you can bet
that there were many heated political discussions as well.
During the week we only had single shows in the evening so
there was a minimal amount of socializing before show time and during
intermission but on Saturday and Sunday there were two shows a day with a break
of around three hours. For some, that was enough time to go home and relax but
others had different plans for their time. Trying different restaurants for
dinner was usually my priority. One of the travelling musicians got carry-out
and went shopping. A few people walked down to Campus Martius to go ice
skating. Our local horn player, who drives around 90 miles, brings a sandwich and
an air mattress and takes a nap in one of the practice rooms upstairs. One of
the keyboard players who travels with the show uses every available moment to
work on her jewelry. Elaine Davidson makes beautiful hand-made silver bracelets
using silver wire of varying gauges, pliers and other tools, and polishes them
to a bright luster. I think she must do a pretty good business while on the
road - two of our musicians bought bracelets. Elaine is working on getting her
website going so if you’re interested in jewelry for men or women, check back
soon.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to perform the same
show eight times a week or, in the case of the star soprano, six times? How do they keep it fresh? One of the touring keyboard players mentioned
that travelling from city to city keeps it fresh. Every new place has its own
feel. He also offered that Detroit has been great – good players and a
friendly, social atmosphere. We are happy to hear that! The assistant
conductor/substitute keyboard player has a program called ‘Sing-Song Saturdays’
between shows on Saturdays when she plays for singers who want to get together
informally and sing songs from other Broadway shows, anything NOT Phantom. In
Detroit that program was turned into a Cabaret show held in Ferndale on the
middle Monday to raise money for “Broadway Cares”. The group began raising
money in 1988 to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic and has expanded to provide
funding for The Actor’s Fund, which administers a safety net of social services
for those in the entertainment industry.
My heart warmed one day when I returned to the orchestra
room after going out for dinner between shows. Three of our string players and
the violinist who travels with the show were playing string quartets. It was
relaxing to hear beautiful music as I sat at the table with my knitting,
snacking on chocolate that someone had brought to share. Did I mention that I love my job?