The Interview by Ray S

Q:  “Can I, or may I come over and interview you for a piece I am doing for the station?”

     Although I’d known Betsey was on the broadcast staff of the local fine arts FM radio station as well as a musicologist that did background talks for the symphony, I was at a loss as to what I had to offer.

A:  “Well, yes, it would be good to visit with you, but what have I got to contribute to your job?”

     Her response informed me that she was doing a general interest piece prior to the opening night festivities in Central City at the Opera House.  Someone had mentioned to her that a mutual acquaintance had long ago been an usher or something on the Opera House staff.

     “Local color, human interest,” she said.

     With the old what goes around comes around feeling I said, “Ask away.”

Q.  “How did you learn about a summer job at Central?”

A.  It was my junior year at college and a sorority sister of my future wife told me I might be able to land a job starting the end of May.  She was a voice major and had worked at the Central City Opera box office in the men’s department of the D & F store on Arapahoe St. in downtown Denver.

Not looking forward to another sweltering summer in the Windy City, I jumped at the chance to be in the midst of real live theatre and opera at that.

Q.  “So you got the job.  What did you do?”

A.  Once I boned up on the history of Central and particularly Opera House, I would have washed dishes or scrubbed the Face on the Bar Room Floor.  Seemed like the business manager needed an eager and possibly rational gopher.  I lived in the ushers’ dormitory, ate at West Matinees “Olde Fashioned” dining room on Eureka St. across from the Teller House.  Every morning we breakfasted on Miss Hanah’s  huge cinnamon buns.

My routine was to drive my boss down to Denver every day to the office in the City and County Building, run errands all day, and we would return to Central in time to open the box office at the Teller House.  I couldn’t believe my life had been so transformed.  I felt like an apprentice to my employer learning all about what makes the show get going.

Q. “What was the production that year?”

A.  The board and artistic director had to rile the old guard by announcing it would be Strauss’s “Die Fledermous,” outraged that grand opera had been replaced by an “operetta.”  As it turned out after the opening night performance the house was sold out for the season, showmanship surpassed KULTUR with a “K.”  Then to add insult to injury the second 1/2 of the season was to be “Diamond Lil” starring in her original role, Ms. Mae West.

Q. “I’ve heard it was a beautiful production.  What stands out in your memory?”

A.  For me the whole opera scene opened up, it was a wonderland come to life.  The music is unforgettable, the singers, from stars to chorus and orchestra, all so genuine, professional, and talented.

Learning to know the director and his staff.  Most all major cast members brought their families so they needed baby sitting too.  It was one big party in the cast housing, but strictly business in the theatre.

    The experience and opportunity to immerse one’s self in this high altitude opera/theatre realm was like moving into an alternate life. So much happened that summer in that wonderful old opera house.  And to me, that I couldn’t believe I had my own voyage through a musical looking glass. Guess I was forever stage struck and the battery died in Betsy’s recorder.

     End of Interview!

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