Putting It Together

October 5, 2007 - One of my favorite Sondheim musicals is Sunday in the Park with George (okay, I love the first act, the second act still seems a bit preachy and heavy-handed to me). And the line "Art isn't easy. The art of making art is putting it together", has been much on my mind this week. As we approach the absolute print deadline for the program, the beginning of the most intensive period of rehearsal for Alcina, the period of crystallization and realization for Tobias and the Angel, as well as make decisions for marketing campaigns and gala hosting (BTW - It's going to be on May 17, 2008 NOT May 10, 2008 but more of that in a later post), I am once again reminded how much of this crazy, wonderful genre is created by the amazing, sometimes chaotic, sometimes miraculous, but always interesting collision of the hearts, minds, and skills of a whole slew of creative individuals. Being the General Director is not so much like herding cats (which while adorable are not particularly brilliant or creative, regardless of what they might say to the contrary) but more like herding gifted and talented teenagers (passionate, creative, interesting, but also unpredictable, erratic, and occasionally unreliable). As any parent of teenagers can tell you, this can drive you to a drinking habit rivaling that of Lindsay Lohan, but I must say, this week as I view our beautiful, vibrant program, or talk with my fantastic designers for Alcina (who all talked me down off the ledge today), or look forward to delving into Handel's masterpiece with a top-notch cast of singing-actors, and yes, even when I'm reviewing press deadlines et al, I'm once again filled with tremendous pride for the people who make OV possible and with awe for this astonishing artform which brings us all together to lift life out of the ordinary, even if it's just for a few hours. Thank you all. It is a privilege to be your colleague.

See you at the opera - John Bowen