Return of the Jedi at the Opera House
Some wonderful parishioner friends purchased tickets to the Sydney Opera House...to see Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, with the soundtrack played by a live orchestra! (Do they know me or what?)
The weather here has been more and more beautiful as we approach Spring. Today, Sunday, highs reached 76 degrees Fahrenheit! Friday night was cool (down in the 50's) but, with no real wind, felt comfortable. I arrived by train to avoid dealing with the parking and downtown traffic. These photos (1-3) are taken from the train platform at Circular Quay, right by the Opera House, just as the sun set.
We met at a place down by the Opera House: an outdoor restaurant called the "Opera House Kitchen." Andrew and I (4) hunted for a table, found one, sat down and ordered drinks while waiting for Anastasia to finish with work. We were right on the water, as you can see from these photos. The Sydney Harbor Bridge decorated behind us (5, 7) and the Opera House rose majestically before (6, 10). From where we sat, the Opera House offered unique views of its iconic, sail-like roofs. Around us Aussie sea gulls gathered. I love their bright red legs (11). They perched ready to snatch up any food left behind the very minute guests got up from the table (12)! (And sometimes before they got up!)
Finally Anastasia arrived (1) and we ate a lovely meal before the 8 pm showtime. Of course, I looked dapper, wearing my appropriately movie-themed shirt my younger brother Ignacio made me a few Christmases back. Its a Star Wars patterned fabric that projects "cheeky elegance" (I think).
As I have blogged before, the beauty of the Opera House is on the outside. Inside steps are surrounded by poured concrete (2). Here's where they sold popcorn and drinks against the back side of our theatre (3). I think there are seven different sized performance halls in the Opera House itself. This is photo shows the inside window, facing back away from the water (4). (You can see the outside in photo 10 in the set above.) Here's a selfie at a purple, lounging sofa in the same gathering space (5).
We also met characters from the movie (6-7). This couple came to see the movie dressed as their favorite characters (8); her "royal highness" graciously agreed to a selfie with an adoring fan!
The last few photos (9-16) are of the interior of our performance hall, including illegal photos (15-16) taken during the performance! (What can I say, I couldn't resist. Plus I wanted you to see what I could see from my seat!) As you can see, the orchestra sort of sits up front. I wish we had a slightly more elevated seat to be able to see the horn section, especially at the beginning of the Star Wars Theme. They got the most applause at the end.
Finally a shot of the trio after the show. All in all a great night!