This may sound like a paraphrase of a Marx Brothers movie. Yesterday I spent a "Day at the Opera" in San Francisco's beautifully renovated Beaux-Arts War Memorial Opera House (1932). Through my friend Bonnie's friend Carolyn, I was able to attend the dress rehearsal of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess... a favorite of mine (and all those others who scooped up all the tickets for the performances).
I really wanted to wear my nice jeans with a fabulous new top but there was that voice in my head saying, "You are going to the Opera House, not a local movie. Don't dress like a schlub." It harkened to my days growing up in Chicago where going "Downtown" was a special treat and required "dressing" for the event. In my Mother's day that meant wearing gloves, a hat (she was in millinery) and a dress. Shoes and purse matched. In my day, we ditched the hats but we always "dressed" for theater, a dinner downtown, etc.
At the Opera House, where I attend the San Francisco Ballet, people run the gamut in fashion... or the lack thereof. While I may not wear a gown (I did for the special 75th Anniversary premier program), I always wear a knit pants suit with accessories that make me feel "dressed up." Many of the audience members did the same for yesterday afternoon's rehearsal. But some thought that rehearsal meant ball park attire. It shouldn't surprise me. But it always makes me feel a bit wistful for the days where we dressed for the occasion.
People often ask me how to be comfortable at the events they attend where they have to work the room. Dressing for the event can make us feel like we belong and more comfortable and confident. I may have been more comfortable in my jeans. But dressing up for George Gershwin, Porgy and Bess (and the whole cast) and our beautiful Opera House made me feel good. And so did the Washington Opera's rendition of an American favorite.
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