Meeting Susan Rescorla

I just got off the phone with Susan Rescorla and we're planning a little Sonoma getaway—just us two silly girls—for Labor Day. I've gotten to know Susan so well over the 8 months that have passed since we first met at our Heart of a Soldier workshop and press conference in December of last year. It has been an honor to get to know this woman who is a perfect balance of resilience and vulnerability. Our first meeting, at least on my part, was full of anticipation and a healthy dose of fear. I was so nervous with questions..."What will she be like?", "Will I be able to sing this in front of her without crying?" and "Will she appreciate the work and give her approval?" So many unknowns.

Susan Rescorla walked into our rehearsal room very quietly as we had begun singing Act 2 of the opera. She sat at a work table watching us along with Chris Theofanidis, Francesca Zambello and Donna DiNovelli. I couldn't look at her; so, I just kept to my task—hoping to deliver the text and intentions respectfully and honestly. As we finished the opera, I dared to glance toward her. She was sitting beautifully upright with tears covering her cheeks. I became a massive puddle.

Upon ending rehearsal, I walked over to meet Susan. I was completely prepared to hug her, hold her up or just sit with her if she needed to cry. She looked up at me (she MIGHT be 5 ft. tall in heels) with tears still running down her face and said, "OH GOOD! I always wanted really LONG legs!"

The rest is history—a really good, close, know-each-other-already-without-saying-a-word kind of history. Susan, "This one's for you, kid."

[Below: Rick and Susan Rescorla]

 
Saturday, 8/20/11—Act 2.
We have put some finishing touches on the entirety of Act 2 with all choristers, soldiers and characters present. Even in the bare space of Zellerbach A rehearsal space, with only the skeleton of a set, we are all immersed in and transported to the late 90's/early years of the 2000’s. It's a snapshot of a decade on the verge of major change—unaware of the fact that the nation's view of safety and calm will be shaken as of 8:46 a.m., September 11, 2001.

As I look around this room, I am so grateful to be part of such a respectful picture of Rick Rescorla's life, military and otherwise. A picture of his willingness to save anyone he could touch—to his own cost. Rick thought outside of himself and had the courage to directly defy orders if it meant saving those lives. THIS is the Heart of a Soldier.

http://sfopera.com/About/Backstage-at-San-Francisco-Opera/August-2011/Thoughts-from-Melody-Moore.aspx

Backstage at San Francisco Opera: "Heart of a Soldier Rehearsals Begin"

I'm getting ready to enjoy our first day off from rehearsals and it's hard to believe one week has flown by so quickly. All of my initial jitters have worn off and we are so blessed to have such a GLORIOUS cast of singing actors. Every single member of this ensemble is bringing their best and it's hard not to cheer in the middle of musical rehearsals when Bill Burden hits some crazy high note with no sweat--or when Tom Hampson gives you chills with his spot-on dramatic interpretation. [Photo: Bill Burden, Tom Hampson and Melody Moore in a musical rehearsal for Act II]

The staging rehearsals are looking wonderful although, I must admit that I have not been a huge part of the first week stagings (I enter in Act 2 with only a small appearance in Act 1). The men (soldiers) range anywhere from professional dancers to athletes to actual soldiers returning from tours of duty in both Afghanistan and Iraq. The energy in the room is palpable as they march across the stage.

I tell you, I've already done a lot of interviews and I know that opinions vary wildly in this world of opera. I also know that some people make their livings by meticulously scrutinizing new works. But...I think it will be hard to walk away from this opera untouched by Rick Rescorla--unmoved by his special brand of duty and honor and by his deep love of humanity. I am full to the brim. Thank you, Rick, for what you teach us every day. [Photo: The soldiers move across the stage in a staging rehearsal]

http://sfopera.com/About/Backstage-at-San-Francisco-Opera/August-2011/Heart-of-a-Soldier-Rehearsals-Begin.aspx