bidu_cieca.jpg… well, not tonight, actually, but on Saturday afternoon, when La Cieca once more will convene the faithful for a live chat on the topic of the Met broadcast of Manon Lescaut.

Now, honestly cher public, how was La Cieca to resist? You’ve already read Our Own JJ‘s reaction to the performances of Karita Mattila and Marcello Giordani in this production, so here’s a chance to find out whether you agree or disagree with his appraisal.

And the intermissions should be, if anything, even more exciting than the main event. We are promised roving reporter Renée Fleming doing the backstage play-by-play (in her best Barbara Musk purr), and, best of all, Renata Scotto hosting the Opera Quiz!

Yes, cher public, La Cieca can hardly wait either! But (as la Scotto might say) we will have to wait until Saturday at 12:45 pm EST. (That’s 15 minutes before the broadcast starts at 1:00 pm. If you need a reminder, just enter your email in the form below.)

(Oh, and if any of you cher public happen to be attending the live performance or the HD telecast, please email or text La Cieca your reactions and she will share them with the online chat.)

La Cieca

James Jorden (who wrote under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") was the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he wrote for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni. He also contributed a regular column on opera for the New York Observer. James died in October 2023.

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