An Intermission of Expedition & Composition

The Metropolitan Opera House’s stage and proscenium in the Turandot playbill during intermission.

A few weeks back, my wife and I attended the Metropolitan Opera‘s final performance of Puccini’s Turandot.

Intricate sets, which, in some instances, recreate entire towns always make me wish I had drawing materials with me. Of course, it’s usually too dark to be able to actually see what you’re drawing which is why I never bring anything with me.

When I learned that the first of 2 intermissions that night would be 45 minutes long, I wish I had gone against my earlier logic. Instead, during that lengthy break, I found myself wandering into the lobby looking for someplace to buy mints. The bar lines were packed and wine and champagne were the only things being served. Before long, I had walked out of the lobby and into the cold night air walking past Lincoln Center’s FAMEous water fountain, through the plaza and out onto Broadway. I walked a few blocks until I found a newstand and bought the mints. Now, with mission accomplished, I head back to the Opera House and into my seat.

Of course, there was still plenty of time left but, still no materials. So, with a ballpoint pen and on the evening’s playbill, I turned to the story’s synopsis and began.