Thanks to tips from fellow Carreras fans, I was able to confirm that Mr. Carreras would be signing autographs after the Sunday matinee performance.   And since I didn't have a ticket for that day's show, I waited in the Kennedy Center's Grand Foyer during ACT III.

While waiting, I met a nice elderly lady reading a book and a young lady pushing a toddler in a stroller.   Earlier in the afternoon, the elderly lady had generously given her ticket to her nephew, who was visiting from out of town, so that he might spend some quality time with his mother at the opera.  Apparently, both mother and son had not seen each other for a while.  On the other hand, the nice young lady was babysitting for a friend.  She agreed to push the stroller around so the parents could enjoy the opera without interruptions.

During our conversation, the young lady mentioned that she had seen Sly about ten times.   Having only attended my very first opera a few nights ago (a cheap $15 SRO ticket), I was amazed by her revelation.   When I proceeded to ask her how she was so fortunate, she nonchalantly replied that she was Mr. Carreras' "assistant".   She also revealed that Mr. Carreras thinks Sly is one of the most difficult roles he has ever done; and while he has performed the role a few times, he still has to study the score from time to time.   The nice "assistant" turned out to be Patrycja.  She wasn't only friendly and sweet, she proved to be generous as well, promising the elderly lady a ticket for the Wednesday performance.

Upon noticing that the ushers were all set to open the auditorium door, I quickly safeguarded my place in the autograph line.  Not long after, Mr. Carreras was ushered to his place at the signing table.   Being the first person in line, I politely told him, "Take your time, sir."   He responded with a smile and said "I'm fine, I'm ready."   Yet he paused for a few seconds and grabbed his cell phone to check for a text message or something.  After which he politely apologized, and explained that he was just checking the "football score".   Seeing the perplexed look on my face, (American football season doesn't begin until September) he proceeded to further explain by saying: "futbol, soccer, in Barcelona."   Then I nodded in agreement.  He opened my Singing from the Soul book and began to sign it.   He also signed my The Best of José Carreras CD.  My mind went blank, my heart started pounding, and my feet left the ground-- I even forgot to ask if he would pose with me for a picture!