We had just enough time for dinner before heading to the ballet. Mike took a break from this, but there was no way I was missing out. I got dressed up and wore my new amber necklace for the event.
Not the Bolshoi in Moscow, but still exciting to go to the Old Mariinsky Theatre, SP's premier ballet, opera, and orchestra house. This theatre, neoclassical in design, opened on 2 October 1860 and was named for Empress Maria Alexandrovna (wife of Tsar Alexander II). There is a bust of the Empress in the lobby.
The theatre by day.
It was quite crowded and a little confusing as to where to go. We had to check our outerwear. The claim check was beautiful.
The lobby.
These gentlemen were ushers and crowd control. I was trying to get a good pix of them and took so many shots that I think they were a little suspicious. This is a bit fuzzy, but best I could do.
As I was by myself, these folks from the ship took me under their wing. Wish I remembered their names. A very nice couple.
There were individual seats closer to the main floor / orchestra pit. We were seated in the belle-etage (beautiful floor in French) area. This was just behind the main floor. Some might call it the dress circle. Here bench-style seats were in a curved configuration.
The ceiling and crystal chandelier.
Getting our coats was a scramble. I was almost willing to give up mine in trade for the beautiful claim check.
Outside at night the theatre was stunning.
I so enjoyed the ride home with all the buildings lit up. Got home at 23:20, our latest outing of the trip.
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