The temperature reached a sizzling 100 degrees the evening the Los Angeles Opera presented Verdi’s rarely performed opera, The Two Foscari starring Placido Domingo. Arguably the most revered Tenor of our times, is now in the running as our favorite Baritone, when he performed his 140th role as the beleaguered father, Francesco Foscari, the Doge of Venice. The 71-year-old legend is indomitable. Between singing the lead roles in operas around the world, and conducting them (as he will at the Music Center in Don Giovanni), he is also the Director of the Los Angeles Opera, who have been suffering some serious financial difficulties. As the maestro said, “It is not an easy task in this economic climate, but they are very close to settling all their debts.”
Placido Domingo & Marina Poplavskaya starring in The Two Foscari
Placido was joined by stellar performers Francesco Mel as his son, “Jacopo”, and soprano Marina Poplavskaya as Jacopo’s wife. To hear these magnificent voices blend on stage was an experience to remember. Despite the somber setting of this tragic opera, there was some sizzling staging when the Fire Eater appeared. To add to the hotness, the theme of the black tie soiree was “Ignite”. That is what the patrons did, by raising over $1.5 million to keep the most perfect of all arts going strong. With supermen like Domingo, how can they fail?
Dance Moms Abby Lee Miller at Emmy Suite
While on the Opera Beat — we visited the world-renown, 5 star restaurant La Boheme to kick-off the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. PR Wiz, Doris Bergman (who also was a piano protégé) invited over 100 of Hollywood’s finest to celebrate Emmy Nominated actors, former winners, presenters, stylists and industry VIPS. This highly anticipated, invitation-only event hosted by Qmadix, presented by Whitening Lightning and co-produced by Michelle Faulkner, offered an incredible array of fashions for him and her, the finest in skin care, newest electronics, fab footwear, stunning jewelry, gourmet cuisine and exotic cocktails and more!
Emmy Nominated Mare Winningham sampling Whitening Lightning at Emmy Suite
Primetime Emmy Nominees Mare Winningham (Hatfields & McCoys), Dot Marie Jones (Glee), Jason Ritter (Parenthood) and Abby Lee Miller (Dance Moms) to name a few, were treated to the best of the best.
Fire-Eater at Los Angeles Opera
In the spirit of giving back, guests donated new and unwrapped gifts for children ages 13-17 for a Gift Drive, benefiting Wednesdays Child — a weekly segment airing on KTTV Fox 11 News, with Anchor Christine Devine.
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