I remember playing in the orchestra for Don Giovanni, Marriage of Figaro and Così fan tutte in school productions. Being in the pit, though, meant I could only see the action when it came right up to the edge of the stage. Still, it was all quite gratifying because everyone always worked really hard in rehearsals.

Maybe I should drag sfobear to Chicago to go see this - he'd be able to hear what the Queen of the Night aria really *should* sound like (instead of my spectacularly hideous rendition). Also, Sir Andrew Davis is one of my favorite conductors.