Okay, okay, La Cieca admits that this photo is not from an opera production. (In fact, it’s a scene from the new Cirque du Soleil show opening soon in New York.) However, if this were a scene from a Regie opera production, what opera would it be? As Leontyne Price reported that Richard Tucker used to say to her before a performance of Aida, “Let’s go out there and have some fun!”

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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