I have decided I don't like the members' lounge. So I go to the Hal Jackman lounge instead. My D&G Velveteen Babel jacket acts as an open sesame for such places. Like the Tarnhelm, it grants me invisibility at the door and magical powers once I'm inside.
Tubby and Babs hold court in the centre of the lounge, and people eye them nervously. They station themselves next to the table of free coffee and juices; I guess they're pretty much broke by now, so they have to. Tubby beat me to the coffee once. Babs appears to have worn the same black jumpsuit to each of her three outings so far. Maybe she'll surprise us tomorrow afternoon. Tubby wore business attire for the 2 p.m. start of Siegfried. I also dress down for the afternoon performances - no tux pants, white suspenders or patent shoes. Adrienne Clarkson was also in the lounge, squeezed into a long, lumpy, frilly black gown that showed off her zaftig figure to full disadvantage. Charming women introduced themselves and shook hands, though I don't remember their names. I chatted to my neighbour Wayne Gooding of Opera Canada magazine, who likes Siegfried best of all. Then the bell rang, and we all filed back to our seats. I drink a glass of bubbly before the whole thing begins, and pre-order another for each intermission. The little sandwiches are no great shakes, but they prevent us from starving to death.