Smoke generators

Whenever anybody plans any kind of a performance around here, whether it's at the hockey rink, the opera or the circus, the first question they ask themselves is "how many smoke generators will we need?" This is right up there in importance with performers and stage lighting.

I went to see the opera Rigoletto on Saturday, and I thought maybe there wouldn't be any smoke generators for a change. I was premature in thinking this, however, because the second act ended in smoke and the third act ended in a lot of smoke.

I've watched opera singers belting out arias in smoke, and I've seen jazz musicians jamming their hearts out in smoke. I don't think I've ever seen the symphony playing in smoke, but now that I think about it, I'm not even sure of that. Customs vary, I guess. Still, this one surprises me.