Austin Lyric Opera Presents 'La Boheme'

Austin Lyric Opera is kicking off its 2009-2010 season with La Boheme tonight. There will be shows on Nov. 7, 11, 13, and 15 at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.

I'm currently blogging from the orchestra level of the Long Center's Lobby. The theme of tonight's season-opening gala is "An Evening in Paris." The opera takes place in Paris in around 1830. A large replica of the Arc de Triomphe sits above the top of the Long Center's grand stairs, so each patron walks through it as they arrive. Outside on the Pavillion, there is a roped off area for patrons only, which features a large replica of the Eiffel Tower in addition to old-style lamplights, and even painters. As you can imagine, those mingling in that area are dressed to the nines! I'm seeing many gowns, gorgeous updos, some fur despite the warm weather, and even a top hat and a tiara.

They just rang the bell -- it's time to get seated! More later.