I haven't been doing many blog posts lately, because there are only so many ways to say "I've been very busy" without getting completely boring. And to be honest, I'm sick of hearing myself say it. So yeah, Lots of busy-tude-ness lately. Lots of trying to get everything shored up, covered, packed, cleaned, etc. before I head out of the country. The bulk of work stuff was finished on Friday (finally), then I headed downtown for a benefit for our local city symphony.
Now here's where stuff gets good. The benefit was a concert of 18th century music performed by select members of the symphony, but they made an entire evening of it. Since they were celebrating 18th century music, they thought it would be fun to have costumed personages walking around to give a "period" feel to the evening. They hired me to play Marie Antoinette, the hostess of the evening, along with my mother, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, played by another local lady. I got a beautiful dress, big cotton-candy-looking wig, jewels, the whole bit. And I got to wander around freely eating and dancing and chatting up the patrons.
"Act I" was a reception in the ballroom with a few musicians, some dancers teaching the minuet to anyone who wanted to learn, and get this: a
court artist. As in, a portrait painter. Live. Painting right there on the dais. And who was he painting?
Moi, bien sur!! How COOL is that?? He was even in costume. So I sat still, giving my best Mysterious French Queen impression while he frenetically painted me. We had a blast, trying to be all serious yet constantly cracking each other up. Good fun.
"Act II" was the concert itself. Pieces by Bach, Haydn, and Mozart beautifully played by the Symphony, the Maestro in a powdered wig and frock coat, and the soloist playing the piano in a beautiful rose colored 18th century-style gown with floral accents. My new painter friend and I got to sit in the opera box just off the stage right apron, while my "mother" and her consort occupied the opposite box. I had the best view in the house, where I could see the soloist's fingers flying over the keys.
After the concert was over, it was time for "Act III," My Fabulous "Let Them Eat Cake" party. I got to mingle a little more, eat some delicious desserts, and head back upstairs to the ballroom to continue sitting for the portrait. I think we finally finished up around 11:00pm or so, and it was time to retire the costume, take off the wig, and rub my head and feet to get the circulation going again.
It was a lovely evening of music and art and dance and food, and I felt enormously honored to have been asked to be a part of it. I am indeed a lucky woman. As soon as I get a photo of the finished portrait, I'll be sure to
show it off post it right here. In the meantime, here's a photo from my appearance at the Feb17th performance to promote Friday night's benefit:
More silliness to follow...
