So far, Softboy’s “Dirk Plans” are an insightful trip down memory lane. (Maybe they’re a little too insightful. Remember, Dirk has shown that he hates being seen as either goofy OR as an untrustworthy threat.) But it looks like Dirk’s just spotted something he didn’t expect…
Wow, Dirk gave a great performance! Or that could be the Chrisville Theater Society’s talent principle, which allows all of its members to have the amount of talent that is appropriate for both their role and the enthusiasm they put into their acting. Either way, things seem to be going very well!
Fun facts: The musical notes drawn in panels one and eight are based on the actual musical notes that precede and follow the number “Deh, vieni alla finestra,” which Dirk is singing here. If you want to hear a good example of how this song sounds, then you can check out this video here. It isn’t from the production that inspired the design of the Chrisville Theater Society’s production of Don Giovanni, but it’s still very good.
In case anyone was curious, the translation of this song is mainly a literal one. I read quite a few poetic translations before deciding to go with this one (which, while resembling a Google translate search, did not depend entirely on Google translate. I did my own research.)
Also, as you might’ve noticed, Madame Croc and Wagon Wheels (long time, no see) are also in costume. Madame Croc is cast as Donna Elvira and Wagon Wheels is cast as Donna Anna.
Something tells me that Dirk isn’t just talking about Don Giovanni…
But enough of that. How’s his big number going to go? Stay tuned to find out!
Fun fact: I forgot to mention this last week, but there’s a reason why Dirk’s and Softboy’s jackets are the wrong sizes. It’s because at this point in the opera, Don Giovanni and Leporello (Dirk and Softboy’s respective roles) switch jackets.
Also, to any mandolin fans out there, I am sorry that Dirk’s mandolin isn’t totally accurate to real life. This is purely due to the limitations of the artist.
Flashback time! It looks like the mystery dialogue from last week was a memory of past rehearsals. (To those of you who need reminding, the Chrisville Theater Society put on a production of Don Giovanni some months ago. Dirk played Don Giovanni and Softboy played Leporello.) But why is Dirk revisiting his memories of being the lead in this opera? Perhaps the answer will be clear after we see more…
Fun fact: Some of our more observant readers might be thinking, “Wait. Didn’t Dirk play Don Giovanni before he gained his anthropomorphic form?” Technically, you’re correct. The Don Giovanni comic came before the “Dirk’s New Form” comic. However, I have an official author retcon answer: Dirk figured out his anthro form in the middle of rehearsals. The theater society didn’t officially end their production of Don Giovanni until later.
Also, Softboy isn’t pretending in the last panel. He truly does think Don Giovanni is the worst. The song they’re referring to is just super good, and is performed best at its most “sincere.”
Kids can get some fascinating new interests during the quarantine…
Here is our first look at Chris’s mom and dad! Just like Chris, we’re going to call them “mom” and “dad” for now.
Fun fact: The Chrisville Theater Society’s costumes are inspired by my favorite production of Don Giovanni, which was performed at the Royal Opera House in 2008. Softboy Pillowman is playing Leporello while Dirk has landed himself the lead role as Don Giovanni. Leo Lion is dressed as the Commendatore, although he was considered for the role of Don Ottavio, and would probably play that role in other Chrisville Theater productions.
Also, Chris’s dad is supposed to have a decent amount of scruff and chest hair, but I quickly learned that I am not a good enough artist to portray that. Until then, Chris’s dad has taken up shaving during the quarantine.
Going back to Leo Lion’s role in this production of Don Giovanni: he is definitely more suited to play Don Ottavio than the Commendatore, and is probably only going to play the latter role just this once. When asked why he fought so hard to play the Commendatore, Leo Lion responded that he just really wanted to drag Dirk to Hell.
Kids can get some fascinating new interests during the quarantine…
Here is our first look at Chris’s mom and dad! Just like Chris, we’re going to call them “mom” and “dad” for now.
Fun fact: The Chrisville Theater Society’s costumes are inspired by my favorite production of Don Giovanni, which was performed at the Royal Opera House in 2008. Softboy Pillowman is playing Leporello while Dirk has landed himself the lead role as Don Giovanni. Leo Lion is dressed as the Commendatore, although he was considered for the role of Don Ottavio, and would probably play that role in other Chrisville Theater productions.
Also, Chris’s dad is supposed to have a decent amount of scruff and chest hair, but I quickly learned that I am not a good enough artist to portray that. Until then, Chris’s dad has taken up shaving during the quarantine.
