South Looper lands on the Lyric stage

Miriam Scott appears in Boris Godunov

11/22/2011 2:25 PM

By Bonnie McGrath

8 Comments - Add Your Comment


Miriam is the taller of the two dressed alike toward the left; she is standing next to a boy in a Boyar costume, tall hat, black "bowtie" (Photo from the Lyric Opera website)

Miriam Scott and her husband, Jack have been South Loopers since the beginning. They raised their son Ben in Dearborn Park 1--he went to high school at Jones College Prep--and they are involved in all sorts of things. For instance, Miriam, an editor for a big publishing house, volunteers at the hostel on Congress and advises visitors from around the world on where to go and what to see in our fair city. She sings in a local chorus and participates in a neighborhood book club. Jack is a graphic artist (known for creating a signature "single page" calendar every year as a sort of big trademark calling card--always with a similarly drawn ancient theme) who also does calligraphy, archeology in the Middle East and lute playing to make ends meet. He has played the lute at neighborhood events like opening night at the South Loop Neighbors photo show and the Dearborn Park Advisory Council's Movie in the Park.


Here you can see him on Channel 7, ABC-TV demonstrating calligraphy, which he has been doing for 45 years!

Right now, Miriam is a supernumerary in the current Lyric Opera production of Boris Godunov--another way she puts herself out there getting involved in all sorts of things. There are still three performances left of the run--tomorrow night, Saturday night and next Tuesday night. She is in the coronation scene in Act 1. She doesn't speak or sing as a "super" but she has to stand there looking noble and in character as a Russian noblewoman. She has done work like this at the Opera before--and I know it's thrilling for her.

A few years ago, she even asked me to come with her to an audition. We were both rejected for the limited number of roles, but I sure had fun trying out. It also gave me perspective on the commitment a supernumerary has to make, what with rehearsing, costumes, makeup and, of course, the performances themselves. All for little compensation. But again, it is quite a thrill to be involved in the grandest of the grand opera. Luck plays a part, too: you have to fit into the costume, large or small.

One thing about living in the South Loop--you don't have far to go to the opera house at Madison and Wacker if you are chosen to be a "super." Whether you sing; or just stand there. Looking however the director tells you to look. You aren't far from home.


8 Comments - Add Your Comment



By ThatGrey-HairedLady from S Loop
Posted: 12/08/2011 3:29 PM

Thanks for featuring two people who add a lot of zest and personality to our neighborhood


By ThatGrey-HairedLady from S Loop
Posted: 12/08/2011 3:29 PM

Thanks for featuring two people who add a lot of zest and personality to our neighborhood


By Pam from AZ.
Posted: 11/25/2011 9:01 PM

I wish I could have seen you in the opera. Oddly, I never go to the opera but I saw Faust here in Tucson with my Mom last week. Not my favorite thing to do. Mom's cast came off on Monday and she's in a boot for a month. She can't wait to get her hi heels back on. Kim and her family, including the 210 pound dog just left for home in Co. after a week here. They're stopping in Albuquerque tonight with friends. Love to all. Pam


By Miriam from South Loop
Posted: 11/25/2011 12:32 PM

To drop out from Sloop: You're wrong: son graduated from Jones College Prep. Do not write ignorant comments, please. And when you do, please do not be a coward and identify yourself. Thanks.


By Drop out from Sloop
Posted: 11/23/2011 10:32 PM

Prettt sure the son dropped of of HS


By
Posted: 11/22/2011 5:21 PM

Wow! I admire the way you South Loopers run a close knit community. Everyone seems to be very involved it the fabric of each and every issue. I was raised in a big city out East and little do people know, "the greatest" big cities are sustainable because of community involvement from ALL people. Especially with children. I think it's rare here in Chicago, for a publication to praise and support their own "neighborhood hero's" who are making great strides in whatever they're doing. Great job!


By Bill Walters from Loop
Posted: 11/22/2011 5:10 PM

If anyone reading this is interested in information about being a super, call the Lyric Opera Supernumerary Hotline (312) 827-3538. There is a HUGE audition coming up for Aida on December 2nd. There are non-singing, non-speaking roles for 93 supernumeraries.


By Fluffy de Crossharbour from Winnetka
Posted: 11/22/2011 3:09 PM

wow 6 degrees of separation! Miriam's husband performed for our writer's group, OCWW, a couple of years ago, and gifted me with one of his excellent calligraphic calendars; and I am dear friends with two other active supernumeraries at the Lyric. None of this, my dear B, equals my having sat in the Lyric's front row years ago, to feel Luciano Pavarotti's spittle land on me as he sang.