We here at Chez Shoebox are very fond of Elizabeth Hurley, actress-model-tycoon. We read all interviews with her eagerly, although some of us named John are perhaps slavering over the photos and merely pretending to read. I was particularly intrigued by a direct quote of La Hurley speaking over the phone to fashion photographer du jour David Lachapelle. She responded to an invitation to have a drink with the words "Goodie goodie gumdrops!" I was taken aback by this childish phrase. Then I remembered the paparazzi photos of her sucking on a pink pacifier, supposedly as a method of cutting back her smoking. What next, Huggies?
And speaking of dubious choices, I'm trying to decide which of the San Francisco Opera's 3-opera series to buy. I can see three for the same price as one if I sign up in advance, but I'm not completely happy with my choices. I want to see Die Zauberflote for sure. However, it's paired with either Aida or La Traviata, neither of which I'm crazy about, plus a third opera choice which is where I'm really being indecisive. Should I see Dead Man Walking, (modern and grim), L'Elisir d'Amore, (fluffy and silly), or Semele, (charming but creaky)? Or there's always the lighthearted and simple plot of Luisa Miller which goes something like this:
In the Austrian province of Tyrol, Rodolfo, Count Walter's son, is engaged to be married to Duchess Federica. He is in love, however, with the daughter of a retired soldier, Luisa, who is unaware of his noble background. In order to save her father, who had threatened the Count, Luisa is compelled to write to Wurm, one of the Count's retainers, saying she loves him. Rodolfo is imprisoned for refusing to marry Federica; after he is released, he makes Luisa admit she wrote the letter. Eventually, Rodolfo poisons himself and Luisa, but in his last dying moments manages to kill Wurm.
I love a happy ending.
So I can't choose. Not too much Verdi, though. If I must sit through Aida I refuse to also see Simon Boccanegra. I'm trying to talk Sei into going with me, so maybe she'll have a preference. What I'd really like to see would be The Tales of Hoffman, a beautiful and eerie opera by Offenbach. Unfortunately, no one's producing it next season. I think maybe I'll search out a good recording. I love the triple aria of Antonia singing herself to death with her dead mother and the evil Dr. Miracle in the background. It's unbelievably moving.
I bet Elizabeth Hurley's favorite opera is The Ballad of Baby Doe.
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