Pride & Prejudice Opening Night

Sybil Sanderson as

Esclarmonde

How can I possibly describe what this day was like for me? Well, let me start at the very beginning.

I was fortunate to have a kind friend offer her timeshare in San Francisco for the opening weekend, so this morning I packed my bags and headed to the city. The small, quaint building--considered the oldest timeshare in San Francisco--was located in the Nob Hill area right around the corner from Grace Cathedral and the Fairmont Hotel. But curiously enough, it was also somewhat near Octavia Street.

I mention Octavia Street, because for the past year I’ve been researching the life of Sybil Sanderson, the Sacramento born, San Francisco bred soprano who became the toast of Paris in the late 1800s. Massenet revised Manon to showcase her phenomenal range, and he also composed Esclarmonde and Thaïs for her. The Sandersons were among the elite families of San Francisco, and from everything I read, I believe I was near Sybil’s neighborhood. As I looked out the window from my third floor apartment, I felt a strong urge to walk to the top of Octavia Street where her house supposedly once was; but logic prevailed and I began to get myself ready for the big night. Two hours later, I was in a cab on my way to the theater.

I was told that just about everyone who is anyone in the Bay Area, from directors to the press, would be attending the show tonight to get a glimpse of Kirke’s new opera. Standing backstage, the adrenaline and surge of energy I was feeling were such that I could have knocked out Godzilla, if I had to! Only a performer knows what these moments right before going on are like. Kirke went on first to be interviewed and to introduce the piece, and before I knew it we were all walking onstage. Coming out to that beautiful hall and looking at the audience was an indescribable feeling. It was one of those Kodak moments that is imprinted in your brain forever, like a postcard. As I stood there, taking it all in, I immediately began to feel settled and the only thing on my mind now was Lizzie Bennet. God I love her!

On stage left were: Kenneth Goodson (Mr. Darcy), Janet Campbell (Miss Bingley), Fernando Tarango (Mr. Bingley), and Anja Strauss (Mrs. Bennet). On stage right, our group included: Leland Morine (Mr. Bennet), Elizabeth Commanday (Jane Bennet and Lydia), Nancy Cooke Munn (Charlotte Lucas) and me as Elizabeth Bennet.

Tonight, as in all rehearsals, we were blessed to be in the hands of a great conductor like Bob Geary. I also felt blessed to be in the company of good actors, for Elizabeth Commanday and I had way too good a time playing sisters!

Pride & Prejudice Poster

Unfortunately, since we only performed a preview by presenting Act 1, Scene 1, of Pride and Prejudice, it all went by too fast! Before I knew it, Jane was dancing with Mr. Bingley, I was snubbed by Mr. Darcy, and my mother was having one of her moments. And then...it was all over. One of the highlights of the evening, however, came at the end of our performance when Bob Geary had Kirke Mechem stand up and take a bow. Kirke beamed as he received a great ovation from the audience.

Singing with the San Francisco Choral Society was an experience I won’t soon forget. From the time that Alan Kleinschmidt called me about the role, to the night the show closed, it was nothing but pure magic. Thank you all so much! Tonight’s performance I dedicated to my voice teacher, Janet Campbell, for being the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you Janet.....