Hector Goudreau, MLA for Dunvegan-Central Peace, must be getting tired of being introduced as Alberta's Minister of Tourism, Parks, Recreation and (pause for breath) Culture. Especially when he is at events such as the opera, when his interminable title suggests to a culture-oriented audience that their passion is only an afterthought to the province's new government -- the caboose, as it were, on the train of Premier Ed Stelmach's priorities.
Fortunately for Edmonton Opera and all Alberta opera buffs, Goudreau picked The Barber of Seville to see at the Jube Thursday night.
The place was packed with young and old, and the music of this example of high culture was clearly familiar and beloved by all, whether they had seen Barber before, or were subconsciously remembering Warner Brothers' homage to it in their 1950 Bugs Bunny masterpiece, The Rabbit of Seville.
Even if he wasn't an opera buff at the beginning of the night, Goudreau probably was one by the end. The bit of Macarena dance at the end was the perfect reminder that the stereotype reputation for snootiness and stuffiness is utterly undeserved.
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