I was thinking about this opera a few days ago when I saw some of the old reviews from 2000... like, remember how everyone thought it was crazy to make an opera about the death penalty?
but now we're dealing with all this new stuff and I'm kinda glad Jake Heggie took on that tough subject back then. The thing is, Dead Man Walking isn't just about the death penalty - it's about human rights and compassion... and I think we need more of that right now.
And can we talk about how amazing Julie Andrews was when she walked into the lobby that first night?
I mean, who wouldn't want to meet your idol at some point?
but for real though, the fact that Heggie met her and it changed his life is pretty cool. It's like... sometimes all it takes is one connection to set you on a new path.
The thing that always gets me about Dead Man Walking is how it raises so many questions - not just about the death penalty, but about empathy and compassion too. And I love how Heggie himself says we shouldn't be told the answers, we should just raise our own questions... that's really what this opera is all about.
By the way, have you guys seen any of the recent productions? I heard it premiered at Sing Sing prison last year... that's crazy!
Like, what's up with all these people singing about redemption and human rights? Sounds like some kinda mind control thing to me 
. And don't even get me started on this "call to action" business... is it just a way to keep us distracted from the real issues? 
I mean, think about it, 85 international productions in 13 countries... that's like some kinda coordinated effort to spread a certain message 
. And what's with all these fancy collaborations between artists and directors? It just smells like a setup to me 
. Can't we just get to the truth for once? 
it's like they just kinda... exist now 
but seriously though, what's with all these productions and premieres? feels like everyone wants a piece of this 'timeless masterpiece' 
anyway, i guess 85+ international productions isn't bad for an opera that's basically about a guy on death row 
it's still pretty impactful, even if it doesn't provide any easy answers 
. It's like we're finally listening to its message of empathy and compassion in a world that feels like it's lost sight of those values 
. I remember seeing it at the San Francisco Opera back in 2000 and being blown away by its power and emotional depth 
. It's amazing to see how it has connected with audiences across the globe, from college groups to prisons 
.