A Post from Dad:
Just after Kai wrapped up his Shakespeare Theater show, an email came from his friends at the Kennedy Center Opera House. This time, they were looking for Dad. Sure, Kai's been an extra in three operas over there on the big stage, beginning with Madama Butterfly when he was just 4, but I'm catching up! (Thanks for the coattails, Kai!)
Maybe it was my great acting as one of the 75 walk-on Russian Solders in their 2010 production of War and Peace? Anyway, the Opera's upcoming Tosca performance (Sep. 10 to the 24th) ALSO needs 'a few good men' - and, well, some clergy, too. [FYI - Tosca will be simulcast FREE to the Nationals Stadium's huge high-def screen on Sep. 22 for Opera in the Outfield]
In Act One, my big part is to stand on stage dressed as a Deacon and hold an incense pot that hangs from a chain. The assistant director told me tonight at rehearsal, "Don't swing it, just stand there. You are really just eye candy." This is a big adjustment for me, because at the first rehearsal last week they had me doing all this blessing and crossing of the choirs and audience. Later I found out I was standing in for another guy who couldn't make that rehearsal. Bummer. Still, any good Deacon knows that the Director giveth, the Director taketh away.
My big break happened at rehearsal for Act three. I was SUPPOSED to be a member of the firing squad that shoots the lead singer at the end of the opera. The director, though, had not picked a Sergeant. After a brief chat with all of us, I was moved up in rank. The costume staff were alerted. My rifle was traded for a sword and pistol and I was sent home with a CD and sheet music so I could practice the downswing with my scabbard at just the right moment - signaling the other guys to pull the trigger. As a good friend pointed out to me today, "... but you can't mess that up at all, right, I mean, isn't that sort of a key moment in the opera?!" Yeah, I've listened to that darn CD 50 times already.
It's been a blast so far - and I'll let you know how it goes.
Kai's Dad
