Even as La Cieca writes this, that legendary grande dame thespian Zoe Caldwell is treading the boards of the Level “C” rehearsal room at our own little Metropolitan Opera in preparation for her debut with the company as the Duchesse de Krakenthorpe in La Fille du Régiment. (Imagine how impressive she’ll be once she’s in costume and makeup for the role!)

La Caldwell is perhaps best remembered for her star turn as Maria Callas in that dreadful play by Terrance McNally, but did you realize that this was not the only time she played an opera diva? According to Mme. Caldwell’s autobiography, I Will Be Cleopatra: