Behind the wheel, behind the scenes

Steven and I arrive at Opening Night of Carmen

We wish! Actually, it was a memory-making evening, even if we did drive the '96 Buick down to the Music Hall. The Dallas Opera production more than met my expections. Steven didn't moan about wearing his suit, didn't get Quiznos crumbs all over it, and looked very handsome (Every mom's crazy 'bout her sharp-dressed son.)

At the intermission after Act I we wandered outside for some air, and walked over to check out the luxury auto on display. Steven immediately knew, with his seventeen-year-old male cosmic connection to All Things Automotive, that the mysterious hood ornament was the mark of a Maybach. The back doors were open, and after a couple circuits of the car, we were invited to sit inside next to the champagne cooler to admire the burled Indonesian wood carried out of the jungles by elephants just to grace this vehicle's interior. I peeked my head in for a look-see. Steven asked if he could sit in the driver's seat instead. "But of course, sir, but please remember the motor is running."

Maybach's don't have dealerships. They have studios--one here in Plano, and another in Dallas. I don't know what to call the sales representative for an automotive studio. He and Steven engaged in a discussion of the V12 gas engine that takes it from zero to six million mph in fifteen seconds even though the vehicle weighs over 6000 pounds, and the B-4 level security features that deflect .44 caliber bullets at point blank range and galactic death rays from further out. I was impressed with the way the man treated Steven as though he would be buying his own Maybach 62 as soon as he signs his celebrity endorsement contract next week. "Could you get used to driving this?" he asked. "Oh, yes, in an instant. I felt just like James Bond." Perhaps I could ride in the back with the champagne and be M for mom.

Price was not discussed, except that if you have to ask about fuel economy you can't afford the Maybach. According to Luxury Nation the MSRP is $359500. I believe Steven is looking forward to Opening Night of "Jenufa" just to see what luxury vehicle will be on display!

After the incredible arias of Latonia Moore as Micaela, and the breath-taking conclusion in front of the terrific arena set, we got to go backstage for a personal tour. Our guide knew how much I would groove on seeing the prop goat the butcher hauls over his shoulder through the crowd scene, and the weathering effect on the bullfight posters on the arena walls. We even got to shake hands with the supernumerary peasant who pushes the wheelbarrow of steaming offul past the lounging soldiers in Act I. I forgot to get his autograph, though!