Melody's Commercial for The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Holiday Concert

Melody Sings and Rings in the Holiday Season with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus

Come and hear me sing with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus in their 22nd Annual "Home for the Holidays" Concert.  December 8th at the Masonic Auditorium and three performances on December 24th at the famed Castro Theater.  To buy tickets or for more info, click here.

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 

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

"Heart of a Solider" Tickets Now on Sale

It is with great excitement that I announce that tickets are now on sale for San Francisco Opera's World Premiere production, Heart of a Soldier.  This opera, which will honor and commemorate the10th Anniversary of the tragedy of September 11th, is based on the book by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist James B. Stewart.  The opera will tell the real life story of Rick Rescorla from his time as a boy in Cornwall, England, through several military conflicts, including the Vietnam war, to his role as Vice President of Security for Morgan Stanley in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

I will be creating the role of Rick's wife, Susan Rescorla.

Performance dates are this September 10th, 13th, 18th, 21th, 24th, 27th and 30th.  Please click on this link www.sfopera.com/offer and enter the code: HOSFAF to receive a 20% friends and family discount on your ticket purchase.

Hope to see you at the opera!

"Plump Jack" in Munich

The day after we landed in Munich to begin rehearsals on Plump Jack, we were actually granted a reprieve because the orchestra and conductor were busy with another project and couldn't also accommodate time for a sing-through of the opera. Although we were all ready to start work, I don't think one single singer complained about having a full day off in Munich. We were all so tired that most of us ended up checking in to the hotel and then just falling asleep. At the hotel, I got a much needed massage and went to bed at my very first convenience....and what a bed! With plush linens and dreamy European queen sized comfort, this housing experience is a huge departure from the times...there have been several...where I have had a mediocre bed in a mediocre hotel room and ended up sleeping on the floor because the hotel mattress was a lumpy disaster of crushed springs that left me with an aching back in the morning. We happened to be housed at a 5-star hotel with warmed bathroom floor tiles and a full spa downstairs. Not my usual accommodations, but I'm doing my best to take absolute advantage of every aspect of this wonderful hotel and this extraordinary experience. Maestro Ulf Schirmer met with us the next day and we sang through the opera very successfully the first time - very few overt mistakes - just little glitches. The next day was a complete sing through with orchestra and chorus. All of us singers just marveled over Gordon Getty's score as it came to life with full strings, winds and horns. The sound enveloped us and the opera began to take real shape over the subsequent days of rehearsals. Finally, we came to the performance night. It was so exciting to be premiering the work of an American composer in such a beautiful and historically important theatre within Munich. The Prinzregententheater (Prince Regent's Theatre) was built as a festival hall for the operas of Richard Wagner, to his specifications, and opened in 1901 with the premiere of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. Because Wagner is considered holy here in Munich performing at this venue was a great honor. After we sang through the opera, the audience stood for us and demanded three  curtain calls! We were all elated to have been received so well in such a musically refined city. The recording studio Our next project was to record the opera for Pentatone Records - a project that Mr. Getty has been trying to make happen for some years now. It was absolutely thrilling to be a part of the recording process. All of these forces, a full orchestra, a full chorus and 10 singers would be come dead silent as the Maestro would say, "Band, leuft" (Band, lift). Then all instruments and vocalists would take a breath, lift their instruments and hold until downbeat. You could literally hear a pin drop. Over several days, we recorded the entire 2 hour opera in short bursts of recorded snippets.  We would sometimes repeat sections over and over until the pitches, blend and enunciation were perfect. I cannot wait to hear the final product and will be proud announce the release of the CD upon its completion. Tomorrow, we leave Munich and begin our long travel day back to the states. We'll leave early in the morning, refuel in Ireland, continue on to drop about half our singers in Newark, New Jersey before making the final 5-hour leg home to San Francisco. I'll be so happy to be home and to stay there for awhile. I am staying in San Francisco for most all of my work until after Christmas of this year. I will be one happy girl to be back on my bike and walking around our sleepy city holding my wife's hand. What an adventure the last couple of months have been - time for rest - but not without the memory of these amazing experiences swimming through my dreams.

My Next Great Adventure

Today was our last matinee of Stephen Schwartz’s Séance on a Wet Afternoon. The final show was really phenomenal. We pulled out all the stops and just gave 110% knowing that we were approaching the finish line. Stephen bowed with us one last time and we all hugged on-stage.  Although I leave New York with sadness about the ending of this adventure, another one awaits. 

The Jet

 I am writing this post from a private jet en route to Munich, Germany to sing Gordon Getty’s Plump Jack with the Bavarian Radio Orchestra. The opera will be broadcast live, recorded and performed at the Prinzregententheater on May 8.  I am on this private 727 plane because when someone offers you a ride on a private plane, you just say “YES”.  I cannot describe how amazing it has been to be allowed to partake in this luxury. Especially when I recall all the times, in an effort to save money, I packed peanut butter sandwiches to go on audition trips to New York or the times that I pulled long shifts at minimum wage jobs; desperate for every cent of overtime to help finance my travel.

Room to move

The on-board bed (complete with a seatbelt!)

The plane is spacious and allows for full movement between sitting rooms.  I was also allowed to use the full size bed to catch some much needed sleep since I was coming to the flight directly after my matinee performance. After all the times I have flown coach and crammed my legs under other people's seats, this was pure heaven.  We have been served everything from medium-rare filet, crab claws and steamed veggies to fresh tropical fruit and Peet’s Coffee (for all you San Franciscans). 

After a 6 hours of flying, we stopped in Shannon, Ireland to refuel the plane and do a little duty free shopping. I have always wanted to go to Ireland.  I’ve been in England plenty of times, but my schedule never seemed to allow for a quick side-trip. So, for one full hour, I took in all the green, heathery beauty and all the heavy brogue I could handle!

As we got back onto the plane, the staff asked me if I’d like to sit in the cockpit during take-off.  I suppose I had that “child-like” quality of wonder as I stared into the small space housing three men and three million switches. I have never experienced anything like it. The preparation was very intense as all three pilots spoke to each other in codes and checks and decided who would control what portion of the journey. Then……speed racer!!!!! 

Visiting the cockpit

I can only imagine what beauty awaits us in Munich. I have been only once, in the dead of winter, and I hear that May is a gloriously beautiful time to be in Germany. When we land, it will be just after noon and we’ll all need to catch a little more serious sleep. However, our first day is free and we don’t begin our rehearsals until late evening on the next day. There may even be time to sneak over to the Marienplatz, the heart of the city of Munich, and see some sites.

Tranquility above

What a long, yet musically rewarding, month in New York it has been.  With daily rehearsals and so many performances back to back, it has been a real treat to be pampered on this trip. I usually go searching around on internet travel sites for the very best deals and the very best ways to save. I’m glad I know how to find a bargain, but I could get used to traveling like this!

Final Dress Rehearsal: "Seance On a Wet Afternoon"

Backstage in my costume as Rita Clayton

Today was an absolutely breath-taking performance on all counts from every single member of our cast. I just want to stand on top of the tallest building and shout, "EVERYONE must take a few hours of their lives and come see this MASTERPIECE!" Stephen Schwartz has just outdone himself with artful tunes that can be whistled as you walk away, wonderful segues from section to section incorporating drama and comedic timing seamlessly. His music is informed and rich in texture. There is meaning behind each theme. I have begun to connect some thematic material and the revelation of his story-telling threads is exhilarating. The small invited audience really seemed to pick up on these same feelings. We could all tell that they were "with" us every step of the way. Lauren Flanigan is completely committed and captivating, Kim Josephson plays Lauren's torn husband with aching intensity. The children in the show are just spectacular actors and singers. Here's the beginning of a long but exciting run!

"Seance On a Wet Afternoon" Interview

Check out my "20 Questions" mini interview with New York City Opera.

Hello, New York!

New York City Opera's David H. Koch Theatre

With director, Scott Schwartz and our show poster

I arrived in New York City on March 28th and have just today taken my first real breath while walking through Central Park. On the way out of a long rehearsal, I decided to take a whimsical right turn down 65th from Lincoln Center and proceeded to walk along the winding passages to the Mall. I don't care what time of year it is or what the weather forecast says, this park is magic and a much needed reprieve after a long week of rehearsals.

Our first sing-through of the opera, Seance on a Wet Afternoon by Stephen Schwartz (composer of Wicked, Pippin and Godspell) took place the morning after I arrived in New York. All husky, dry and jet-lagged, I approached the morning with my fingers crossed.

Our tenor, Todd Wilander, and I sang through our duet having met just 7 minutes previous.  We connected immediately and it sounded as if we'd been singing together for weeks. Mr. Schwartz pumped his fist into the air after our triumph and I knew that all was well.

We have a remarkable cast for a remarkable piece of theatre and music. It is really as if every perfect fit that could happen did happen. Our director, Scott Schwartz, is intent on ultimate realism and that's just what we're striving to create...breath-taking reality.

What a gift to be involved in this project. As I take a moment, under William Shakespeare's statue in the park,  and reflect on my whirlwind week in New York City I wonder who I should thank? How long would that list be?! And, could I ever truly show my full gratitude to every person and for every step that got me here?