Thursday, September 29, 2005
Finding a decent job in Manhattan is no trivial task. But finding an apartment in Manhattan is just about as difficult. One has to be nimble and, most importantly, have a LOT of cash to burn on brokers, deposits, and fees of all sizes. New York, you see, is all about transaction costs.
So off I go this weekend to do battle with the rental market there. I’ve got my ammo. . . listings of no fee apartments (I’ve paid $20 to obtain), airfare, brokers, and most of all, a shitload of money in my checking account. Will I be successful? I have no idea. But BRING IT ON!
I’ve got movers lined up (albeit no apartment) the job is quit, someone has taken my season tickets to Lyric Opera, and the utilities are being turned off. In short, this move is taking on a real form.
It’s amazing how life can change in a matter of a few days. . .
- - - - - - -
But before I leave, thankfully, I have some time to enjoy my Lyric Opera subscription with Carmen and La Cenorentola.
Last night’s production of Carmen reminded me that the Lyric Opera of Chicago is a force to be reckoned with: Though the number of production is limited, it’s productions sport some of the best casting in the world (it’s about quality, not quantity). So last night Denyce Graves was Carmen, and starred along with Neil Schicoff, and Andrea Rost (see Tribune review).
The problem is that I’ve yet to see a good Carmen. I don’t know if it’s that it’s skates a dangerous line between a melodrama and a comedy, or just the simple fact that I don’t like the opera. The other problem is that I sort of grew up with Marilyn Horne’s recording, where she sings the shit out of that role. It’s hard to beat that. Since this is the fifth Carmen I’ve seen, I can say I’ve given the opera its chance.
Despite my nit picking, Melody and I had a great time (beats, for example, spending time watching The Exorcism of Emily Rose). The production was great and who can resist that music?! The overtures are lush and familiar, the choral numbers were beautiful and – for God’s sake – it’s opera with friends. Who can beat that?
Next week, La Cenorentola staring the dashing Juan Diego Florez. Can’t wait.
So off I go this weekend to do battle with the rental market there. I’ve got my ammo. . . listings of no fee apartments (I’ve paid $20 to obtain), airfare, brokers, and most of all, a shitload of money in my checking account. Will I be successful? I have no idea. But BRING IT ON!
I’ve got movers lined up (albeit no apartment) the job is quit, someone has taken my season tickets to Lyric Opera, and the utilities are being turned off. In short, this move is taking on a real form.
It’s amazing how life can change in a matter of a few days. . .
- - - - - - -
But before I leave, thankfully, I have some time to enjoy my Lyric Opera subscription with Carmen and La Cenorentola.
Last night’s production of Carmen reminded me that the Lyric Opera of Chicago is a force to be reckoned with: Though the number of production is limited, it’s productions sport some of the best casting in the world (it’s about quality, not quantity). So last night Denyce Graves was Carmen, and starred along with Neil Schicoff, and Andrea Rost (see Tribune review).
The problem is that I’ve yet to see a good Carmen. I don’t know if it’s that it’s skates a dangerous line between a melodrama and a comedy, or just the simple fact that I don’t like the opera. The other problem is that I sort of grew up with Marilyn Horne’s recording, where she sings the shit out of that role. It’s hard to beat that. Since this is the fifth Carmen I’ve seen, I can say I’ve given the opera its chance.
Despite my nit picking, Melody and I had a great time (beats, for example, spending time watching The Exorcism of Emily Rose). The production was great and who can resist that music?! The overtures are lush and familiar, the choral numbers were beautiful and – for God’s sake – it’s opera with friends. Who can beat that?
Next week, La Cenorentola staring the dashing Juan Diego Florez. Can’t wait.
# posted by otas : 12:51 PM
