PLA's Annual Opera

Well, here we go. I would have liked to have done this in a better, more fun way, however, there are time constraints. Basically, we are auctioning off these opera items. Although the goal is to raise money, the hope is to connect these items to the people who would appreciate them most. The prices are suggested--I am willing to negotiate. You may post questions under each item, but please email your bid ([email protected] with "Opera Auction" in the subject).

PLA's Annual Opera's cover photo

THE ARCHIVES: 2008, Pan Tadeusz

PLA has done operas based on novels from foreign countries before. In 2008, PLA's original operatic adaptation was based on the great Polish epic, Pan Tadeusz. Slightly darker in tone, and more serious than Tom Sawyer, this opera proved intriguing, and included some memorable costumes, including a menacing bear.

PLA has done operas based on novels from foreign countries before. In 2008, PLA's original operatic adaptation was based on the great Polish epic, Pan Tadeusz. Slightly darker in tone, and more serious than Tom Sawyer, this opera proved intriguing, and included some memorable costumes, including a menacing bear.

THE ARCHIVES: 2007, Tom Sawyer

The last Mark Twain novel inspired opera was Connecticut Yankee. This time around, the students used a better known classic of Mark Twain: Tom Sawyer. The lighting and costume, along with the set, made this opera one of the most colorful and delightful. The students, too, did a great job conveying this timeless tale.

The last Mark Twain novel inspired opera was Connecticut Yankee. This time around, the students used a better known classic of Mark Twain: Tom Sawyer. The lighting and costume, along with the set, made this opera one of the most colorful and delightful. The students, too, did a great job conveying this timeless tale.

THE ARCHIVES: 2006, Daniel Deronda

Based on George Eliot's novel, Daniel Deronda, this original operatic adaptation showcased a lot of acting talent, a memorable drowning scene, and gorgeous sets.

Based on George Eliot's novel, Daniel Deronda, this original operatic adaptation showcased a lot of acting talent, a memorable drowning scene, and gorgeous sets.

PLA's Annual Opera's cover photo

THE ARCHIVES: 2005, Vanity Fair

This original operatic adaptation of the great English novel by Thackeray, inspired me to read through the whole book. I have to say, it may e one of my favorite "great works of literature" I have read so far. And the students and teachers did a great job putting on the production.

This original operatic adaptation of the great English novel by Thackeray, inspired me to read through the whole book. I have to say, it may e one of my favorite "great works of literature" I have read so far. And the students and teachers did a great job putting on the production.

THE ARCHIVES: 2004, I Promessi

Based on a great Italian novel from the late nineteenth century, this original opera adaptation was dedicated to my wife and me--we had married the summer before. Politics, religion, and love abounded in this tale.

Based on a great Italian novel from the late nineteenth century, this original opera adaptation was dedicated to my wife and me--we had married the summer before. Politics, religion, and love abounded in this tale.

PLA's Annual Opera's cover photo

THE ARCHIVES: 2003 Martin Rivas

This one takes place in Chile. The set is fantastic, especially the backdrop. The costumes are so colorful. And the children did a wonderful job. Oh, the harp and the horses' heads were my contributions to this original operatic adaptation.

This one takes place in Chile. The set is fantastic, especially the backdrop. The costumes are so colorful. And the children did a wonderful job. Oh, the harp and the horses' heads were my contributions to this original operatic adaptation.

PLA's Annual Opera's cover photo

THE ARCHIVES: 2002, Barnaby Rudge

My first opera experience. Grand! Great job, everyone.

Based on a political novel by Charles Dickens, this original operatic adaptation by PLA was my first experience of PLA's operas--it was my first year of teacher at the school. Again, the costumes are gorgeous, the set magnificent, and the children outstanding. Enjoy!

Based on a political novel by Charles Dickens, this original operatic adaptation by PLA was my first experience of PLA's operas--it was my first year of teacher at the school. Again, the costumes are gorgeous, the set magnificent, and the children outstanding. Enjoy!

THE ARCHIVES: 2001, Romola

Now we have arrived at the first opera for which I have a ton of images, all of which have been carefully adjusted. You also have the opportunity to see just how elaborate the stage had become by this time. Enjoy!

Now we have arrived at the first opera for which I have a ton of images, all of which have been carefully adjusted. You also have the opportunity to see just how elaborate the stage had become by this time. Enjoy!

THE ARCHIVES: 2000, Three Musketeers

This is the last of the opera photos which derive from scans of old yearbooks: the quality will get better after this batch. However, there are more photos in this group than in the previous groups, so there is still a lot to go through and enjoy. Those British flags will come in handy in the next opera.

This is the last of the opera photos which derive from scans of old yearbooks: the quality will get better after this batch. However, there are more photos in this group than in the previous groups, so there is still a lot to go through and enjoy. Those British flags will come in handy in the next opera.

THE ARCHIVES: 1999, Fortunata y Jacinta

A powerful and beautiful opera, the ending of this original adaptation of the great Spanish novel brought tears to the eyes of many audience member. Unfortunately, I was not there, yet, at the school.

A powerful and beautiful opera, the ending of this original adaptation of the great Spanish novel brought tears to the eyes of many audience member. Unfortunately, I was not there, yet, at the school.

THE ARCHIVES: 1998, A Connecticut Yankee

Based on a Mark Twain novel, this one was, from all accounts, the first comical opera. Satirical, too. There were some interesting special effects.

Although I did not teach them at the time, several of the honey bees and flowers would become some of my first students a few years later.

Based on a Mark Twain novel, this one was, from all accounts, the first comical opera. Satirical, too. There were some interesting special effects.

Although I did not teach them at the time, several of the honey bees and flowers would become some of my first students a few years later.

THE ARCHIVES: 1997, The Tale of Genji

Well, the stage is definitely in the gym (the first few operas saw the stage inside a classroom). There are footlights, i.e., clamp lights attached to a wooden frame. The costumes are bright and beautiful. And there are background lights. Unfortunately, these are all the pictures I have of this gorgeous looking opera.

Well, the stage is definitely in the gym (the first few operas saw the stage inside a classroom). There are footlights, i.e., clamp lights attached to a wooden frame. The costumes are bright and beautiful. And there are background lights. Unfortunately, these are all the pictures I have of this gorgeous looking opera.

Well, the stage is definitely in the gym (the first few operas saw the stage inside a classroom). There are footlights, i.e., clamp lights attached to a wooden frame. The costumes are bright and beautiful. And there are background lights. Unfortunately, these are all the pictures I have of this gorgeous looking opera.

THE ARCHIVES: 1996, Don Quixote

Ah, there is the famous tree, which stands to this day. And flags are now present, a staple of future operas. Also, a future teacher of PLA is hiding beneath that fantastic donkey mask. Finally, I believe that this opera holds the record for length.

Ah, there is the famous tree, which stands to this day. And flags are now present, a staple of future operas. Also, a future teacher of PLA is hiding beneath that fantastic donkey mask. Finally, I believe that this opera holds the record for length.

Ah, there is the famous tree, which stands to this day. And flags are now present, a staple of future operas. Also, a future teacher of PLA is hiding beneath that fantastic donkey mask. Finally, I believe that this opera holds the record for length.

THE ARCHIVES: 1995, David Copperfield

By 1995, the costumes have become more elaborate, along with the staging. And the pictures are more carefully set up.

But, not a cake in sight. I've given up hope.

By 1995, the costumes have become more elaborate, along with the staging. And the pictures are more carefully set up.

But, not a cake in sight. I've given up hope.

By 1995, the costumes have become more elaborate, along with the staging. And the pictures are more carefully set up.

But, not a cake in sight. I've given up hope.

THE ARCHIVES: 1994, Arabian Nights

This is the first set of opera photos that I have following the Lost Operas. It is an original adaptation of Arabian Nights, and it is beautiful. However, there is not cake, or at least a picture of a cake.

This is the first set of opera photos that I have following the Lost Operas. It is an original adaptation of Arabian Nights, and it is beautiful. However, there is not cake, or at least a picture of a cake.

This is the first set of opera photos that I have following the Lost Operas. It is an original adaptation of Arabian Nights, and it is beautiful. However, there is not cake, or at least a picture of a cake.