The cast was great! Vincent Chambers played Count Danilo on short notice, and did a great job. I am grateful to have been able to work with him on this. He and I have AMAZINGLY similar senses of humor, which made the break neck pace of the rehearsal schedule much easier on both of us! THe other point of rest were the amazing hosts that opened their homes to us crazy opera singers! I stayed with Bob who is well known in the Modesto area for his amazing support of the arts. No last name for Bob is needed. Everyone knows Bob! Truly, I am in amazement of his loyalty to the arts and his great generosity. Bob is always attending a recital at CSUS, a Modesto Symphony Board Meeting, an Opera Guild meeting, housing artists that are performing in the area or driving the artists too and from the Sacramento airport! Also, bacon and eggs in the morning and grapefruit and oranges from his trees outside were a plus to staying with him! Mmmmm, bacon! 

Nearby, were Dick and Kay who housed our lovely Baron Zeta, Eric Graber. Eric and I enjoyed morning walks, and even more enjoyed coffee in the morning with Dick and Kay. (and Eric's home made cookies!) and once in a while a night cap to process the events of the day. 

This was a true collaboration with California State University Stanislaus. The chorus were students and there was a second cast for 3 of the leads, Hannah, Danilo and Valencienne. The student cast was wonderful! And of course, I can't talk about this production without talking about the young conductor Ryan Murray. Watch for him! He really is amazingly talented, prepared and knows how to work an orchestra and reign in a singer when needed! Thanks Ryan!

What an experience!

Thanks to everyone at Townsend Opera!