The Show Went On

Hurrah for the Music Center Opera Company on Jan. 23 for presenting an enjoyable and “moving” presentation of “El Gato Montes.”

Christopher Hailey suggested in the pre-performance lecture that perhaps after experiencing the physical forces and trauma of nature we were ready to run the gamut of human emotions. This proved to be only partially correct.

Watching the performance from first-row balcony seats was both physically and emotionally “moving.” The balcony gently swayed, the crystal chandeliers tinkled, the audience audibly gasped, but the orchestra and performers never missed a beat. Judging from their reactions, one would never know that sizable earthquake aftershocks had occurred.

MARILYN HOWLETT

Los Angeles

The decision made by the Los Angeles Music Center Opera to proceed with the performance of “El Gato Montes” on Jan. 19, two days after the earthquake, was unconscionable!

Bodies were being uncovered in the rubble, hundreds of people were sleeping in parks, utilities interrupted, freeways damaged--there was general havoc in Los Angeles. Common sense and responsibility of any citizen would be to stay out of Los Angeles!

I chose not to attend, but, because the show was presented as scheduled, I will not receive a refund. I feel the Music Center was not using good judgment.

KAY MARCUM

Santa Maria