Time With Susan Rescorla

What a beautiful Labor Day weekend it was in Napa. Susan Rescorla flew into town and got settled into her hotel on Sept. 4th and we started bright and early on a whirlwind Napa adventure the morning of the 5th.

Susan Rescorla 

Somehow, over the months that have passed since I've seen Susan and despite the fact that she experienced major damage to her home from Hurricane Irene, she has become even more fresh faced and beautiful.

Our first stop was the Domaine Carneros Winery by Taittinger. This happens to be, along with Roederer Estate, my favorite champagne. We wanted to have a little tasting before our lunch. We sampled 5 different champagnes and tried to be judicious and not get too silly with the bubbly. However, due to either the glorious beauty of the day or the effects of the wine, Susan ended up ordering a half-case of a moderately expensive and aged blend. On the way to the car for lunch, she actually said to me, "How much was each of those bottles?" I told her what I thought I remembered the price to be. She stopped in her tracks, looked up at me and said, "How many did I order?" I told her "Um.....six." She then got in our car and said, "What the hell is wrong with me!?" I'm still laughing about that. 

Lunch at Auberge de Soleil was spectacular. We split every dish and still walked out stuffed. Corn chowder, a taste of homemade gnocchi and some squash blossoms stuffed with ratatouille. Not too shabby.  

Susan and Melody lunching at Auberge de Soleil

I felt like I was in a dream - spending such a delightful and full day with Susan. We talked about simply everything, laughed, cried and maybe even healed a bit. I love you so very much Susan. You are a warrior. Rick saw it and so do all those who love you.

Let's Do Some Good

This morning I am looking over my music with twenty or so "notes" from Francesca, her assistant Matthew, David Hanlon (assistant conductor) and our librettist, Donna Di Novelli. These notes are, of course, little things that can be changed to make the show better and better. It just takes a little brain power and a good deal of strong coffee to assimilate the suggestions; especially precious hours before an orchestral run-thru.

As we approach opening night, I think about all the things that have been unique about this project:

-I am playing someone who is alive and capable of helping me through rough patches in character.

-I am working day by day with the composer and librettist and making little changes to the score, words and intent. We are creating together every minute.

 

-I am being directed by a world class leader and team.

-Our sound/light/graphics/stage crew is at the top in their fields...literal geniuses behind all of the things the audience will feel and hear.

-Patrick Summers makes my head swim with his talent and knowledge.

-Last, but not least, I will NEVER AGAIN be able to walk out on stage IN PERFORMANCE in either sneakers or barefoot with hardly any make-up on, dragging a dog and using my own hair. EVER.

"In bocca al lupo," "toi toi toi" and general "breaking of legs" to all involved. Be proud of this project and, in the words of Rick Rescorla, "Let's go do some good."

[Above: Thomas Hampson and Melody Moore as Rick and Susan Rescorla at a recent working rehearsal. Photos by Cory Weaver.]

http://sfopera.com/About/Backstage-at-San-Francisco-Opera/August-2011/Susan-Rescorla.aspx