Behind the Scenes of The LA Opera's Production of FALSTAFF and More

The LAO Wig Shop (currently known as 'Ye Olde Wig Shoppe') is typically the hairiest of work environs at LA Opera. But for Falstaff, some of their space doubles as a special effects make-up shop for facial prosthetics. Here, an epoxy casting of singer Rodell Rosel's face is matched up with a corresponding casting of a sculpted fake nose. Known as the 'positive' and 'negative' molds, they'll be used to cast a silicone or rubber prosthesis to be worn on stage.

Although the casting, attaching and blending techniques are similar to what's done in movies and television, stage make-up has the unique demands of being on the performer longer with less touch-up time available. There's no director yelling "cut" to enable make-up techs to fix things between takes. Nor is there any digital clean-up in post-production. Additionally, the prosthetic nose needs to be extremely lightweight and flexible so it won't hinder the performer's ability to sing clearly or emote facially.

See Bardolph's nose in person when Falstaff opens on November 9and read all about it (plus look at more behind the scenes photos) on the LA Opera Blog.

Tickets for Falstaff are selling fast, but a few good seats are still available.

INFO & TICKETS

JOIN LA OPERA'S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS FOR ARIA NIGHT AT FALSTAFF

Spend the night with ARIA - LA Opera's group for young professionals - on Saturday, November 16 at ARIA night atFalstaff. The evening begins with an exclusive intermission reception during the performance and culminates with a spectacular after-party at City Club Los Angeles on the 51st floor of the City National Bank Tower overlooking beautiful Downtown Los Angeles. Delight in a performance of Verdi's comic masterpiece then join us for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and casual conversation. The party is just $20 with purchase of a performance ticket. Please call the Box Office at 213.972.8001 to purchase your after-party ticket. Or, join us for the three remaining ARIA nights of the season and receive the after-parties FREE.

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MORE INFO

CELEBRATE GIUSEPPE VERDI ON NOV 9WITH A SPECIAL PRESENTATION

This fall, we are honored to celebrate two important anniversaries in the world of Italian opera: the bicentennial of Giuseppe Verdi, and the 100th anniversary of the birth of Italian baritone Tito Gobbi, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. Gobbi had retired from the stage before LA Opera was founded, but opera lovers in Los Angeles enjoyed several opportunities to experience him in his prime on tour with the San Francisco Opera. His appearances at the Shrine Auditorium in seven different operas between 1948 and 1964 included three of his greatest Verdi roles: the title roles of Simon Boccanegra andNabucco as well as Iago in Otello.

On November 9, LA Opera presents an exclusive exhibit documenting the art of Tito Gobbi as an interpreter of Verdi. The baritone's performances come back to life in a fascinating series of photographs, drawings and set and costume designs drawn by Gobbi himself, showing the full complexity of Verdi's characters and the baritone's rigorous and imaginative approach to his roles.

Also on November 9, the Italian Consul General will be on hand to make a special presentation to James Conlon and LA Opera in honor of Verdi's 200th Birthday during Mr. Conlon's pre-performance talk.

The Gobbi exhibit will be exclusively available to LA Opera ticketholders during the run of Falstaff (November 9 through December 1).

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