FLOT - Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre

20 January 2012
11:01 PM

Sunrise at	10:14 AM	in direction	141°	Southeast
Sunset at	3:50 PM	in direction	219°	Southwest

Duration of day: 5 hours, 36 minutes (6 minutes, 11 seconds longer than yesterday)

Healy/Renda Update in Nome
For those of you who read my blog entry about the USCG Cutter Healy's escort of the Russian Tanker, Renda, to Nome, here is a link to photos of the vessels off shore from Nome during the fuel delivery:  Healy and Renda Photos - Offshore of Nome, AK

FLOT
Gary has friends and connections throughout the small, but robust group of musicians, entertainers, and theater technicians in Fairbanks.  His connections stem primarily through Davis Concert Hall and his position as Director of Performance Operations.  But other connections came from our family who participated in joint artistic/science productions as well as his involvement with some young DJs in town.

FLOT - Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre, the joke goes, used to be Fairbanks Light Opera (Players, Productions or just OPera), which led to the unfortunate acronym of FLOP.  They changed the last word to "Theatre".  No one I know ever knew it by that name, but it reflects the spirit of the all-volunteer organization - full of good cheer.  This year, they are staging three productions; in October of last year, Annie was staged and this spring, Music Man will be presented.  They are staging three to provide the opportunity to train an additional stage director.

A few weeks ago, Gary was called by Susan Risse, a co-worker in the UAF Music Department.  Her daughter, Michelle, is stage director and choreographer for FLOT's current production, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.  They needed someone to manage the "follow spot" light.  Gary is a sound maven, but has expanded into lighting based on the needs of the concert hall, so he agreed to volunteer.

Rather than provide support during show time, he worked the spots as they began dress rehearsal and then trained the young man who ultimately took on the responsibility.  We have commitments in Anchorage next weekend, so he won't be on staff for next weekend's show.  But, as a benefit for his help in getting things started, we received tickets for opening night.  

Susan's family in the front row

Going to the theatre - Fairbanks style

Volunteer productions like this, with short rehearsal time, can lack polish on opening night, but in Fairbanks, that is not synonymous with a lack of talent.  I imagine by the last show, it will be very smooth because they became more integrated and comfortable as the night went on.  Both Gary and I are impressed with the Fairbanks Symphony and Orchestra of the North (also volunteer groups).  The creativity and ability of Fairbanksian artists and musicians is stellar, especially given that the population is small when compared to urban settings that actually pay people.  My son-in-law says its a phenomenon of end-of-the-roaders.  He thinks people who seek out the unusual are themselves, often, very unusual and talented.

The commitment to the arts is one of the aspects of living here that makes it special.

The Fairbanks News Miner article about the FLOT opening includes an interview with Michelle Risse:  Relive the ’60s in FLOT’s ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ Read more: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - Relive the ’60s in FLOT’s ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’

Michelle Risse in a "Paris" original

If you have seen the musical, you may remember that in one scene all of the secretaries were invited to a reception for the new Vice President of Advertising for WWW.  Rosemary, the female lead, goes shopping with the intention of buying an evening dress that makes her stand out, something unique.

The visual joke is that all of the secretaries are drawn to the same dress.  Michelle chose to wear the same dress as the secretaries to opening night.  Michelle was the stage director as well as choreographer for the event.

Hedy LaRue with Michelle

To the right is Michelle with dizzy dame, Hedy LaRue, played by Sarah Monstil.

Being a Fairbanks event at the Pioneer Park Civic Center, the Gala reception was not exclusive. Following the finale, actors, musicians, and audience alike mingled in the reception area.  We were served punch, coffee, and lovely finger food. 

Gary would have loved to stay longer and visit.  I would have too, but I was overpowered by my task oriented nature.  As Gary commented, I am not exactly a social butterfly and it was suddenly more important to come home and post this on time rather than enjoy friends.  I should probably work on that.  Here is a photo of folks enjoying food and one another after the play.

Opening night attendees enjoy one another after curtain call

I definitely want to see FLOT's production of Music Man in the spring.