Sometimes by default I find myself at the opera as I did last night. It was La Traviata staged by the Canadian Opera Company at the Four Seasons Center in Toronto. It is a beautiful venue.
We meet my former doctor in the lobby prior to the performance. I knew that he occasionally acts as the “house doctor” for patrons who may fall ill. In thirty years of doing this he has seen just about everything. We wished him a quiet night.
La Traviata sputtered onto the first intermission. It picked up steam close to the second intermission. It was actually quite riveting after that. And the torrid and tragic finish came with Violetta dying in Alfredo’s arms both in a heart rendering swan song. With four minutes left we hear shouts “Medic” repeatedly. The audience and the performers can scarcely believe what is happening as the drama now is off the stage! The curtains drop. The lights go on. We depart having a senior dog awaiting us at home due for a walk. A bizarre night at the opera. It is often quite a senior crowd so I suppose one shouldn’t be surprised. But with 4 minutes left! How can the performers start all over again after having built up so much momentum!