We had a few days in beautiful Minnesota and precious time with my sweet daughter, Laurie and her hubby, John.
We saw her pre-opening performance of Phantom Of The Opera (in the Musical Theatre Dept.) on Saturday night and La Voix Humaine (a one-woman opera) on Sunday for her graduate voice recital.
Wow! Two musical - theatrical events in one weekend makes for a fabulous trip!!
In both Phantom and The Human Voice the main characters experience lost love (abandonment) and deal with debilitating emotional pain.
La Voix Humaine (The Human Voice) is the story is of a woman who is at the end of a five year long love relationship. It is ending and her only and last connection with her lover is via telephone. As the woman falls deeper and deeper into despair, she clings to the telephone for every opportunity to talk to her lover. She is distraught for most of the show, however she readily pretends to him that she is okay. As the telephone conversation progresses, the woman slowly disintegrates into suicidal behavior. In the end, her depression robs her of life.
This show is a classic example of a character with extreme Borderline Personality combined with Major Depression. The dysregulation of mood that is expressed in this difficult and intense work by lyricist, Jacques Cocteau, and composer, Francis Poulenc, is something that affects many depressed individuals.
In 2010, a non-profit called Therapy Center Stage Productions was formed, and now this organization is attempting to "bring the spotlight to mental health" via music and theatrical concert venues. This project came from an idea that my colleague and I shared. We were looking for a way to use our musical training to raise money and awareness for mental health.
Therapy Center Stage was asked to collaborate with Lauren's operatic performance to bring awareness and to make sure people know that help is available for people who suffer from depression and dysregulation of mood. TCS was proud to provide green bracelets promoting the words "Embrace Life" with www.therapycenterstage.org on the band. We also distributed some literature to encourage mental health!
Lauren wanted to raise funds at this event to promote mental health awareness and educational programs. She collaborated with other organizations in Mankato who sponsored advertising and buttons for the opera.
This awesome volunteer made sure people got
buttons and bracelets...
pamphlets and resources for counseling in the the area...
information about the women's center...
important literature about how to overcome depression...
and
he collected donations
for
Therapy Center Stage!
He also wore some really cool RED glasses!
Dr. Kim Julian, Laurie's voice professor!
A happy moment!
This adorable lady is 87 years old!
She is a major supporter of the arts in Minnesota...
She shared a deep passion for bringing hope and awareness to those in need...
She and Lauren were instant friends...
This lady raised her children and then went back to school after she was 50...
earning a Master Degree in Musical Theatre
AND
A Master Degree in Vocal Performance (Music)!!
(Lauren is completing those same two degrees in May)
John prepared a neat reception after the recital...
It was an all out family moment...
Cutting cheeses, slicing ham, preparing tea...
cookies, cookies... lots of cookies!!
Christine (and baby to be!!), Kathy, Laurie, John, Me, and DLW
after the concert - all smiles!
Then we went to dinner
and laughed and talked and had a blast
with friends and family!
(This is Lauren's friend, Kim. I'm sorry that I did not get Emma in this pic!)
A musical weekend with singing and family and performances
and mental health awareness
and laughter and a little sleet and rain and sunshine, too!
And... Phantom Of The Opera music dancing around in my head...
That was a spectacular performance, too!!
Really strong choruses and strong acting and whoa... the huge sets!
Love that show!
Love my girl... and her beau...
La - Ti - Do!
Jeanne
So proud of Lauren! What an accomplishment-and what a great awareness opportunity. I know you are so proud!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elise! I wish I could hear you sing again! I loved my time with you around the piano... you are such a talent! It was a great opportunity to encourage people to reach out for help and I was proud of Laurie!
ReplyDelete