Krampus in Hallstatt
There is a Christmas ritual in Austria called something like Krampus, where mostly little children dress in devilish garb, run around town ringing cowbells and switching the legs with real cane switches of anyone they meet. That happened to me on Dec. 1st when we arrived at Hallstatt, a beautiful Austrian town on the way…
Read MoreFirst Views of Gruss aus Ă–sterreich, Austria
Overnight layover in Hallstatt, Austria, prior to arrival in Vienna on Friday, 2 December. Our lovely hotel Gruner Baum, a coffee mug (no coffee…just yummy Gluhwein), a war memorial, and a photo of some of my travel pals Christine, Lindsay, and Madeline. Weather in D’land and Austria so far cool and sunny. Tchuss!
Read MoreTraveling to Austria
Today we leave lovely Munich and cross the border into Austria, where we’ll check into our hotel and lhave limited walking, prior to tomorrow’s trek around Salzburg and…wait for it…everything MOZART. As about 2/3 of us are, er, somewhat “elderly”, this promises to be a more relaxing day in terms of physical exertion. First views…
Read MoreGreetings from Munich!
On my 1st Rick Steves Tour to Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna. Here is Day 2 schedule. Incredibly well organized and meeting so many lovely people. Note that we visit a BREWARY this afternoon. Monday, 28 Nov…Dinner at a Munich restaurant (the name of which ends in “haus”) with my dear old friends Lindsay and Christine,…
Read MoreStudent Spotlight – Dustin Teuber
Saturday, 8 October – the creepies were in full force at the Umbrella Stage Company in Concord, MA, last night. Their production of “Dracula – A feminist revenge fantasy…really” was fun and disturbing at the same time. Kudos to the entire cast… ESPECIALLY my friend and student Dustin Teuber, who played Dracula in the most…
Read MoreStudent Spotlight – Rae Pizzi
The lovely Rae Pizzi performed the role of Doralee Rhodes in Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5”. This hysterical production was presented by Peacock Players of Nashua, NH. The all-teen ensemble was high energy, funny, and obviously having a blast. The musical ensemble numbers were well choreographed and the songs, sung to a track, were perfectly…
Read MoreStudent Spotlight – Anne Orio
Anne Orio – close friend, long-time voice student, and fine actor/singer – portrayed the role of Helen Hubbard in the Community Players of Concord (NH)’s production of “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express.” This was a delightfully comical play that kept the audience guessing right till the very end. Anne’s portrayal of the troublesome…
Read MoreWagner in the Alley
Place: A well-lit alley by the building where my voice studio is located Time: 7:10 PM on a week night, already past dark Persona: Me and a nicely dressed, middle-aged man, smoking a cigarette Man, as I walk toward him on the way to my car: “Wow, you look great.” [getting the vibe that he’s…
Read MoreStudent Spotlight – Peter Boettcher
Sunday, 13 November – Carlisle, MA – “The Pirates of Penzance” presented by the Savoyard Light Opera Company. Another student triumph! My student and friend, Peter Boettcher, brilliantly performed the role of Frederic in “The Pirates of Penzance” – the production was truly fun and elegant, the pit orchestra supportive and well conducted by Maestro…
Read MoreStudent Spotlight – Lydia Richman
My lovely student Lydia Richman sang the role of Jo in “Little Women” at John Stark Regional High School in Weare, NH, on Friday, Nov. 4. Jo is a challenging role, and Lydia sparkled in every scene…vocally and dramatically. I can’t say how gratifying it is to watch a beloved student succeed so beautifully on…
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