Thomas Hampson: May I please go on for a moment or two?

Or three or four? At any rate, I need to do this somewhere other than my own home because my poor husband is sick to death of hearing about this man. Thomas Hampson is the lead baritone in the SF Opera's Macbeth in which my daughter is starring appearing as a super. He is, as my daughter labels him, "Mr. Macbeth" (his wife, of course being "Mrs. Macbeth"—you know, the Macbeths).

Anywhoo, I entered this whole opera business being fairly neutral about this form of art. I have now, however, been converted to a fan in large part because of this man. His voice is rich, deep, and sonorous and his acting just perfect in this role, but—and apologies for being so superficial here—he is just so damn good looking it takes the breath away.

Behold:



















Here he is the Zurich Opera's production of Macbeth:
























My God—I get lightheaded just looking at these pictures. And you what's the real kicker? He's smart, articulate (see for yourself on his website), and NICE TO CHILDREN. That's right: On the opening night of Macbeth, he sent chocolates (of course very fancy European ones) to the children in their dressing rooms. My daughter was beside herself: "Look what Mr. Macbeth sent us!!!" It's all just too much. Backstage reports are that he is often less than entirely gracious with other performers, but really, he could toss sopranos off the stage into the orchestra pit and I wouldn't care.

Excuse me, please, while I turn to continue work on my little Thomas Hampson shrine.

COMING UP SONN: Upstairs / downstairs at the SF War Memorial Opera House.

And noooooooo, I'm not changing the name of this blog to Figs, Lavender, Cheese, and Opera. In fact, we'll get to food shortly.