La Cieca has just heard that that veteran thespian Marian Seldes will make her Metropolitan Opera debut on April 21 as the Duchess of Krakenthorp in the company’s new production of Donizetti’s La Fille du Régiment, replacing Zoe Caldwell, who is ill. La Seldes will play the Duchess for the entire run of performances through May 16. Also appearing in the opera will be Natalie Dessay, Juan Diego Flórez and, oh, others.

Ms. Seldes made her Broadway debut in 1948 in a production of Medea opposite Judith Anderson. Further Broadway credits include last season’s Deuce, the 2002 Lincoln Center Theatre revival of Dinner at Eight, plus 45 Seconds From Broadway, Deathtrap, The Merchant, Equus, A Delicate Balance, Tiny Alice, The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore, A Gift of Time, The Wall, The Chalk Garden, Ondine, The High Ground, The Tower Beyond Tragedy, That Lady and Crime and Punishment.

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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