Buoso Donati’s moment of glory finally arrives. Preparations backstage and down in the dressing rooms below stage are well in hand, the scenery is set, the lighting perfected and the orchestra tuned up. Now it’s showtime! Opera Santa Barbara’s production of ‘Gianni Schicchi” took flight Friday April 22 and it was a hilarious triumph. Here are some behind-the-scenes snaps from final dress, opening night and the final performance April 24.
Roses for cast and crew from OSB Artistic Director Kostis Protopapas.
Let’s get wigged out!
Costume Supervisor Stacie Logue makes some final adjustments to tenor Tim Petty’s costume.
Goodies for the cast provided by Deborah Bertling
Nothing like a quick game of Star Wars to calm the nerves. Mosher Studio Artists Tim Petty & Lee Steiner.
The fake Buoso / Gianni Schicchi (Stephano de Peppo) and the real Buoso (Brooks Firestone).
Lighting designer Pablo Santiago putting on the final touches before final dress rehearsal.
Conductor Aaron Breid and the OSB Orchestra warm up before final dress rehearsal.
In “places” on stage waiting for the main rag to go up, Buoso is remembering he can’t fall asleep, even if he is “dead.”
What makes it all run smoothly? Stage Manager Kourtni Knoll calling the show from backstage.
Lauretta (Monica Yunus) pleads with stony-faced dad Gianni Schicchi (Stephano de Peppo) in that famous aria.
No peeking, Brooks!
Opera Star! Brooks Firestone, aka Buoso Donati, takes a well deserved bow.
Stage Director Fenlon Lamb and Maestro Aaron Breid are pretty darn happy with the performance.
Maestro Breid and the whole cast of Opera Santa Barbara’s “Gianni Schicchi” after the final performance.
