The Barber

(Bridge over Ohio river, driving into Owensboro)

**Long post ahead**

As we approach the end of our time here in Kentucky, Gabe ventured into his largest role this season, as the title role in The Barber of Seville. Gabe is one of four studio artists or artists in residence as some programs call them. Basically, it means that young singers can work with opera companies for more experience and training. A big plus to this program was that the studio artists were able to put on a semi-staged production of Barber with orchestra. Gabe was very excited about this. A good thing for his resume, because once you learn a three hour opera, it doesn't leave your brain overnight. Hopefully, he'll have many more opportunities to sing the same role. Kentucky Opera collaborated with the Owensboro symphony to produce the show, which meant staying there (about 2 hrs from Louisville) for a week during rehearsals. We stayed with wonderful patrons that spoiled 6 of us rotten. They loved having the company and some of us...loved the attention. Mary, our patron was also in the chorus for Barber and at the very end Gabe requested that she be his dance partner in the finale. She was very happy to oblige. Another chorus member came up to Mary after rehearsal and said "How come you get to be up front with Figaro?" To which she said "...because I feed him."

Here are a few shots of rehearsals and the big night!

(Sitzprobe- orchestra sing through, first night)

Next stop Moonlight BBQ. If you ever happen to be driving through, ever, maybe, sometime. Stop. Someone said BBQ buffet and I went gross  uh oh, but it was amazing! All the BBQ, veggies, casseroles and desserts you could imagine!

Dress rehearsal (Gabe as Figaro, Dan as the Count, and Brandy as Rosina)

The whole gang!

 Curtain Call, photo via, they got a standing ovation! It was amazing!!

The Mission President and his wife came to see Gabe. We love them!

Gabe's mom was here all weekend ! So glad she could make it. More pics of her to come :)

Cast, with director and conductor at the cast party. Job well done!!