La Divina Comedia: Act 3: Paradiso (3/26; invite only)

**JulianD** · 03-28-2010, 11:48 AM

As the soft bell chimes again, the last Act is preparing to unfold. The symphony begins to play as soon as the last bell chimes and the lights in the room dim ever so slightly. The Act opens with Dante's invocation to Apollo and the Muses, asking for his divine task. He and Beatrice ascend from the Earthly Paradise. Beatrice outlines the structure of the universe. Dante warns the audience not to follow him now into Heaven for fear of getting lost in the turbulent waters.

Dante and Beatrice arrive in the First Heaven, sphere of the Moon. Beatrice vigorously quizzes Dante and then corrects his views on the cause of the moon spots. Dante first sees the blessed souls as points of light. He meets Piccarda Donati, who explains the souls' happiness with their places in Heaven. She explains that the Moon houses souls who broke their vows. Beatrice explains why Dante sees the souls in these heavens, when they are all located in the Empyrean. Then she explains vows in terms of absolute and contingent will.

Each Heaven is detailed in Aria, with Cocteau and Lisette coupling in duet and falling off into solo, detailing the Virtues and explaining the Celestial wonders. As the final Solo begins, Cocteau musters every ounce of power and grace to illustrate the final meeting with God, at which point, Dante’s soul joins to the Creator. In that final moment where blinding light signals the join, the symphony, choir and actors all coalesce musically and lyrically near causing the walls to vibrate. As if the sense of hearing were being assaulted, it reaches a near fever pitch until the final note, in which the lights on the house raise. Then…silence.

Cocteau turns to the audience and bows humbly. “Thank you.”

**Zac S** · 03-28-2010, 01:32 PM

Smiles as the act ends and he remains in his seat. The second act Starts and he watches in intent and feels the emotion being put on the stage.

He smiles again and looks to them as the nights go down and then Cocteau comes back for his bow.

Lazarus will stand and being to clap for his Seneschal and friends that had done an exelent job.

"Bravo! Bravo!"

He continues to clap untill the people begin to exit. He will sit down and wait for it to clear out so that he may speak with Cocteau after he's said and over with everything.

**Jeremy** · 03-28-2010, 01:54 PM

A.J. watches the final act with out being distracted, his attention fully on the show. He seems almost entranced as he watches it come to a close. Once Cocteau has taken his bow, he stands and claps loudly, Keela following his lead and doing the same.

**Mario** · 03-28-2010, 02:36 PM

Once Cocteau has taken his bow, Pius stands and claps. Once people start moving in his row he will move to the lobby once again.

**Kosh** · 03-28-2010, 03:47 PM

Boone stands and applauds an excellent performance. When appropriate, he will meander towards the lobby.

**Starshine** · 03-28-2010, 04:11 PM

Mackenzie watches the final act, a bit distracted by the night's events. First Kendov and then Meg. She stands and claps loudly with the rest of the patrons. It really had been a beautiful performance.

She waits to file out with the rest of the patrons and looks around for her date, hoping he hasn't stepped out again without her seeing him.

**JulianD** · 03-28-2010, 04:47 PM

Cocteau makes his way to the lobby, a bit of make up still behind his cheeks and ears. Stepping into the foyer he smiles with a look of completion at a job well done.

"Thank you, everyone, for attending. While the performance was as much for us to ply our skills, it was also, of course for you, our captive audience. Please enjoy the refreshments and mingle as you will. A reception for the cast is planned at (blah blah blah), just down the street, if you wish to make your way there, its just a short walk. Thank you again, one and all. For the members of the Eternal Echoes fan club, the private reception is back inside the theatre." At his last comment, he notedly makes eye contact with the kindred present.

For the time being he begins mingling and shaking hands with any who might come up to him...

**maharet erros** · 03-28-2010, 05:12 PM

maharet stands along with the other actors accepting congrauations on her performance .

**Jeremy** · 03-28-2010, 05:34 PM

A.J. and Keela enter the reception area within the theatre quietly. She stands to his side but behind him and she keeps her head facing down, avoiding making eye contact. A.J. however stands tall and nods to the others present. He waits patiently for anyone who wishes to speak to him to approach but makes no active attempt to approach anyone else.

**DeAnna** · 03-28-2010, 05:43 PM

Emma will take Tino's arm and allow him to lead her around to give congratulations to all the performers in turn, lavishing them with praise for their great work but especially Cocteau for putting this performance together.