Chapter 524 : Grand Opening
Chapter 524: Grand Opening
"It’s finally time to check in for entry！"
Watching the theater staff beginning the ticket inspection, Jenny—who had already downed two cups of hot coffee—couldn’t help but rub her hands excitedly.
Though it was already May, the nights in Dordogne still carried a lingering chill.
However, as the ticket line ahead of her grew shorter and shorter, even though her hands were freezing cold, Jenny’s heart burned with excitement.
"Hello, please present your ticket."
"Alright."
Finally reaching the entrance, Jenny carefully handed her ticket to the staff at the door, then took the seat card handed back to her and headed into the theater.
"Why aren’t the lights on in the auditorium？"
Holding her seat card, Jenny noticed the inside of the Nightingale Opera Troupe’s theater was unusually dark. If not for the glowing path markers beneath her feet, she might have had trouble finding her seat.
"Could it be that the Nightingale Opera House is planning another audiovisual illusion show? That would be something to look forward to."
Since Jenny had previously watched 《Song of the Ocean》 at the Nightingale Opera House, she was quite familiar with the troupe’s “build tension before release” approach.
Of course, what counted as a relatively novel “stage audiovisual illusion” technology in Turin was considered rather basic here in Dordogne—the city known as the capital of opera, where competition was fierce.
Thus, in such a cutthroat industry, the Nightingale Opera Troupe could not rely on mere technical tricks to stand out.
In the end, what audiences truly cared about was the quality of the opera itself.
"As expected of Miss Janna’s new work debuting in Dordogne—just look at the audience turnout for this first performance, it’s no less than that of any of the other major theaters."
Looking at the darkened theater gradually filling up, Jenny—who had also come specifically for Janna—couldn’t help but admire her popularity.
Tonight marked Dordogne’s annual Spring Festival. Besides the Nightingale Opera House, several other renowned venues—Tulip, Galaxy, Floral Rendezvous, and Bauhinia—were also hosting grand premieres at 8 p.m.
Each of these theaters had prepared new, buzzworthy productions for the occasion.
For instance, the Tulip Opera House was premiering a new piece titled 《The Bridges of Madison County》, a tragic love story meticulously crafted over time by the troupe’s chief director, Checkman–Chil. The leading roles were played by the immensely popular actress Alma–Silan and the rising star actor Brand–Morey.
While Alma–Silan’s looks might not have been as refined as Janna’s, her voluptuous figure and sensuous, slightly full lips were unmistakably her signature charm.
Beyond appearance, Alma–Silan’s mastery of tragic performances—especially her moving tearful scenes—had earned her the media’s nickname: “The Queen of Tragedy.”
Thus, when the Tulip Opera House announced that Alma–Silan would star in yet another tragic production, it caused quite a stir throughout the opera community.
Of course, besides Tulip, the other three theaters—Galaxy, Floral Rendezvous, and Bauhinia—were also presenting new works: 《The Two Innocents》, 《The Wolf Boy》, and 《The Curious Case of Benjamin Button》, all of which had garnered heated discussion. Still, in terms of cast fame and overall hype, none could quite rival Alma–Silan’s 《The Bridges of Madison County》.
"After I finish watching 《Withering Rose》 tonight, maybe I’ll catch another opera tomorrow if I have time… But why are all the other new productions romance-themed？"
Jenny, who never had much interest in romantic operas, couldn’t help but purse her lips as she glanced at the flyers from other theaters inside her handbag.
Nevertheless, having come all the way to Dordogne—the famed “City of Music”—the devoted opera enthusiast in her was determined to experience as many performances as possible.
"Forget it, since I’m already here, I might as well make the most of it. After I finish watching 《Withering Rose》, I’ll go see 《The Bridges of Madison County》 too—"
Bang—
As soon as all the audience members were seated, the grand doors of the Nightingale Opera House closed.
At that very moment, the pitch-dark theater was pierced by a single beam of light that fell directly onto the red curtain of the stage, capturing everyone’s attention.
"Distinguished guests, good evening. Welcome to the Nightingale Opera House. I am tonight’s announcer—Nightingale."
"Huh? They changed the host？"
Watching the young woman on stage with delicate features and shoulder-length brown curls, Jenny raised an eyebrow in surprise.
As someone who had rewatched 《Song of the Ocean》 in Turin last year, Jenny remembered that the original announcer had always been Julie–Anne, the short-haired woman with a brisk, professional tone.
"Tonight marks the grand opening of the Nightingale Opera House here in Dordogne. It is also the day that Director David–Berg, following his works 《Bloodshadow Rose》 and 《Song of the Ocean》, unveils his latest production—《Withering Rose》. I believe everyone is already familiar with tonight’s leading actress, none other than the most celebrated star of recent years, Janna–Roland—"
Upon hearing Nightingale’s introduction, the audience began murmuring among themselves.
"Master, I heard rumors that the Nightingale Opera Troupe offered Miss Janna a sky-high contract just to renew her collaboration. Is that true？"
"I have no idea."
Marin, who didn’t have insider information, simply shook her head at Celine’s question.
"But I’m certain that the troupe’s willingness to abandon its long-established roots in Turin and follow Janna to Dordogne shows just how deeply intertwined their interests must be."
Hearing Matthew’s analysis, Celine nodded in agreement.
"Exactly. The Nightingale Opera Troupe once dominated Turin’s entire opera scene, yet they gave all that up to follow Miss Janna into Dordogne’s fierce competition. That says a lot about Director Roman–Roland’s decisiveness—"
Bang—
"Now, please enjoy tonight’s performance—《Withering Rose》. For the best viewing experience, we ask all guests to remain silent throughout the show. Thank you for your cooperation—"
Just as Celine was about to say something else, the spotlight dimmed. The announcer, Nightingale, lifted her skirt slightly and quietly exited the stage, leaving behind only tranquil silence.
"It’s finally starting！"
As the red curtain slowly drew open, Jenny—filled with excitement—widened her eyes, staring unblinkingly at the stage.