Oh Canada...

After having "lived" with our neighbors to the north now for about 3 and a half weeks, I am here to say that its not all that different from home. I mean, is it ever? I guess if you're 100 miles from civilization in the Siberian tundra, things might seem foreign... but here in Toronto there are a few words that when pronounced will always make my giggle - but other than that its quite familiar.

But, lets talk singin'. This cast of MARIA STUARDA just might be the most amazing cast of singers that I have ever been surrounded by. I have been incredibly fortunate to work with the colleagues and directors who truly put their stamp on the work that they do, but this cast that The COC has put together is truly a dream team of Bel Canto. Serena Farnocchia takes the title role and truly offers what I believe to be the most amazing singing I have ever heard. She is simply amazing. Alexandrina Pendachanska plots the death of Mary as Queen Elizabeth and is FIERCE! Eric Cutler not only brings a bromance of epic proportion but is a fantastic tenor who truly makes the role of "Lester" his own. My lovely friend Patrick Carfizzi brings his powerful bass-baritone and Canadian knowledge of housing options among other must-have tidbits of genius to the role of Talbot. I'm singing the evil Iago/Scarpia-esque villan Cecil, and the young superstar soprano Simone Osborne takes the role of Anna Kennedy. Have I mentioned that these people can SING? I have to say that its REALLY FUN when you can make music at this level AND have a cast as fun as these people are! :-)

Just returned from an amazing walk around the Kensington Market, University of Toronto, and finally Hospital Alley before returning back to the diggs across from The Four Seasons Performing Arts Centre - all skillfully shown by Toronto's own Pete McGillivrey, friend and colleague. Thanks Pete! ...oh! not to mention the amazing smoked meat sandwich for dinner at this amazing Russian Deli place. :-)

Orchestra Dress Rehearsal numero 3 tomorrow night - they claim it will be a complete runthru of the show... we shall see. ;-) Opening night is creeping upon us. BUT, my sweetheart returns to Canadia for opening, so, in my mind it can't come soon enough!!