Last night's sunset was particularly spectacular, thanks to a large storm front that was blowing in. The dynamic clouds started appearing around 7pm, and when I drove to the opera house at 8pm, I could see the beginnings of the sunset to the west and dark imposing rain clouds to the east. The contrast was, as always, thrilling. I got into costume quickly so I could stand on the back deck and catch as much of the sunset as possible. It probably lasted about an hour, with these gorgeous colors and clouds inspiring continuous gasps of amazement from the large crowd of spectators. We eventually had to leave it, though, to start our first dress rehearsal of Peter Grimes. Act I proceeded smoothly enough, but just as we were about to start Act II, the storm that sponsored the sunset showed up. It, too, was magnificent. During the next 30 minutes (rehearsal was on a "rain delay!"), we were given another brilliant show in the sky. Continuous flashes of sheet lightning - some bright enough to illuminate the whole sky - were punctuated with quick bolts. Sheets of rain and a heavy shower of pea-sized hail were the finishing touches. Again, a crowd gathered to watch and cheer!
I can’t imagine what would happen if this type of storm appeared during a performance. Our Techincal Director said it has never happened (knock on wood), but that they have contingency plans! I wonder if the orchestra ever has a drill: Get those violins under cover!! (We had only piano accompaniment last night, so we didn’t have to worry about the orchestra.) I imagine they would have to stop the performance, at least momentarily, to get the orchestra rearranged and then back into the score. Just another unique facet of life at Santa Fe Opera…
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