Hannah sings at the Opera House

The Opera House, built in the late 1800's ,closed its doors in 1927
thanks to something called a MOVIE.



The doors remained closed and everything inside remained
intact until the beginning of its restoration period in 2003


Historical preservationists came from all over the U.S to be
a part of the restoration. They were thrilled to find the original wallpapers,
lights,curtains, play bills, and stories of the Beautiful LADY of THE OPERA,
who is said to haunt the Opera House.


3 years and 25 million dollars later the Opera House once again
opened its door to the public.


When Hannah was 3 years, she noticed the Opera House for the first time.

We would drive by and we would slow down so that Hannah could look in the window.
In the window you could see old furniture and 2 Carousel Lions.

Everything always seemed magical, even covered with dust.

You could see Hannah looking for "Our Lady of the Opera" each time we would pass by.
She would ask us to stop so that she could sing on the stage.
Of course ,we would have to explain to her that it was closed and that we could not just walk in and sing.
She would always say, "When I am big,I am going to sing at the Opera House."


Well, we found out(4 weeks ago) that she was going to get her chance.

We were told that the Cambiata Choir would be performing with the Symphony,
on December 5th.

Hannah's face lit up!

One problem...She and Caleb are in A Christmas Carol.


Not a problem for Hannah-
Caleb has lines....she doesn't!


Hannah tells the Director that she will not be there for the play on December 5th...
She is singing at the Opera House!

Problem Solved.


And that is what she did.

Hannah & Olivia in the Green Room before the concert.

They were beautiful in their formals.


I can't believe I got this shot.
Flashes are not allowed in the Opera House.

One of the volunteers let me go the 4th floor balcony and snap a picture....
Flash & All!

Hannah is the little brown headed girl in the middle- 4th row.
Olivia is sitting right beside her.

The were singing with the HUGE smiles .

Just awesome.


When it was over I asked Hannah if being on that stage was as cool as she thought it was going to be.

She said , "It was WAY cooler!"

10 years old and has ALREADY done something she "has always dreamed of".

I think that's pretty cool.

Peace.