Opening night at the opera

**Canuck** · 14th April 13, 09:07 AM

Aside from making kilts, I'm a stage Manager for opera. That career has spanned for 35 years. I was recently offered a gig that I couldn't pass up. Stage managing a production of AIDA. The last time I did this opera was 29 years ago.
So some photos of course.

There's always someone looking over your shoulder

Scene change

part of the scenery

My tulip kilt pin to go with my "Dutch Friendship" tartan

**AJBryant** · 14th April 13, 10:46 AM

Cool!

I love Aida. Saw it in Japan at the baseball stadium back in, I think, 89 -- back when it was touring as an "experience opera" complete with actual elephants in the triumphal parade. A bit overdone, but fun.

And you're seriously stylin' there. I remember when people dressed up to go to the theatre (especially the opera)... how times have changed. Thanks for holding up the standards!

**grizzbass** · 14th April 13, 02:45 PM

great looking kilt, great looking set.

**piperdbh** · 14th April 13, 06:18 PM

I'm music director for the local community theatre. We just finished "Into the Woods", and I must say you dress much better than our stage manager! When I was in college we played the "Aida" grand march for graduation, instead of "Pomp and Circumstance". It was a special request of the college marshal.

**crash** · 15th April 13, 05:34 PM

Looking sharpe Robert. I really like the Dutch Friendship tartan.

**mookien** · 15th April 13, 07:37 PM

You look like one of those natty guys at the opera, ... and a lot like the Pharaoh.

Great looking tartan, sgian dubh, and kilt pin. You ought to come down and stage manage the Santa Fe opera. They can probably use the help and expertise.

**knotty** · 15th April 13, 07:37 PM

Good stuff. Lookin good my friend.

**Canuck** · 16th April 13, 08:29 AM

Thanks gentlemen for your kind words. I've been wearing kilts since 2000, the first time being stage managing a new work for Pacific Opera in Victoria. My business evolved as a result of the technicians in the theatre liking the garment and beating the rules of health and safety. A number of the theatres I work at have had the stage declared as a construction site when a set is being loaded in and set-up on deck. Long pants are required, however, a female could be on the deck wearing a skirt...sooooo the utility style kilt that I was making at the time became the fashion...and here we are today.
mookien, This is an excerpt from the review of Aida "Mounting this work boasting over 100 performers onstage was an awe-inspiring accomplishment for director Brian Deedrick and stage manager Robert Pel." This is a first for me in 35 years.
From what I understand Santa Fe is a good company, and like any others they go through cycles. Having gone through the process of getting a work visa for Hawaiian Opera Theatre a few years back, I think I shall remain in Canada. The kilt business keeps me rather busy, I had to make a lot of arrangements and planning to be able to do this gig.
Tonight we do it again.

The set was originally built in Argentina, found it's way to Baltimore Opera, but they went through rough times and Edmonton Opera bought it. It has now the property of Carolina opera. It's next stop is in Toledo Ohio, then off to Charlotte.

**lukeyrobertson** · 16th April 13, 08:39 AM

Congratulations Robert, on such a significant accomplishment. Incredible set. You've got to be one of the most stylish stage managers anywhere! Beautiful tartan. I will try to capture its friendship on my up-coming trip to Amstelveen and then on to Scotland.

For the rabble... Robert's town is Stratford, Ontario. One of the best theatre communities in Canada and dare I say, the world.

Best,
David

**mookien** · 16th April 13, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by Canuck

... mookien, This is an excerpt from the review of Aida "Mounting this work boasting over 100 performers onstage was an awe-inspiring accomplishment for director Brian Deedrick and stage manager Robert Pel." This is a first for me in 35 years.
From what I understand Santa Fe is a good company, and like any others they go through cycles. Having gone through the process of getting a work visa for Hawaiian Opera Theatre a few years back, I think I shall remain in Canada. The kilt business keeps me rather busy, I had to make a lot of arrangements and planning to be able to do this gig.
Tonight we do it again.

The set was originally built in Argentina, found it's way to Baltimore Opera, but they went through rough times and Edmonton Opera bought it. It has now the property of Carolina opera. It's next stop is in Toledo Ohio, then off to Charlotte.

Robert: Congratulations on the great review. It must take a lot of artful coordination and work to accommodate over 100 performers. Good luck on tonight's performance.

Yes, the Santa Fe company is widely respected, but I know more about kilts than I do opera, so that gives you some idea of my ability to judge.

Too bad you don't work in the Mexican opera. You wouldn't need a work visa to help out in Santa Fe - just walk across the border, ... or use one of the drug tunnels.

John