The park backs up to the city’s great library. Close enough to hear the lion’s roar. People are scattered throughout. Some, like us, are at bistro tables waiting for the show. Others are laying back taking in the rays of sun.
Two twin girls kick a basketball with mom as “test, test,” thunders over the park, sunbathers break from a trance to see about the ruckus. Unbothered by the spectators their heads fall right back down.
Gil approaches with an announcement. They have twenty-five dollar tickets to
the Opera at Lincoln Center. Cannot pass this up, finances are tight, but experiencing life is more important. 3rd row orchestra to see “La Boehm” September 7th. The anticipation begins.A stream of people continues to flow in as the performers practice. A mother lays a big read blanket in front of us. Her son jumps right on with his big truck and curls up under mother’s watchful eyes. She spots a better location and they are gone, replaced by two men on a lunch break.
The show is about to begin. An afternoon of Aria’s…
Their voices are so powerful. I wonder just how far away they could be heard. Renditions of Pagliacci, Madame Butterfly, and La Boehm over power my ears. I have never seen the opera, but I know I will like it. The performers put heart and soul into the songs, beads of sweat run down their animated faces, even though I don’t understand the language, they help me understand. The opera is truly music to my ears.
The show ends and we walk. A smile never leaves my face. A new nook discovered, this city is amazing.
