“In response to the recession, the Metropolitan Opera’s Board of Directors has decided to subsidize some of the best seats for weekend evening performances for the duration of the opera season. Approximately 16,000 prime seats in the Orchestra and Grand Tier, ranging in price from $295 to $140, will be available for $25 through a weekly drawing beginning December 8.”

More on how, when and how much at metopera.org.

UPDATE: A cher member of the loyal public reminds La Cieca that

… the poster portrait of Ms. Midler is by the late, great Kenn Duncan. You might be interested in directing your cher public to a lovely exhibition of Duncan’s work:

Divas! The Fabulous Photography of Kenn Duncan

From October 27, 2008 through January 3, 2009
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
40 Lincoln Center Plaza
Hours: Tues, Wed & Fri: 11 to 6; Mon, Thurs: 12 to 8; Sat: 10 to 6

To celebrate the publication of “Divas! The Fabulous Photography of Kenn Duncan,” the Library presents a selection of Kenn Duncan’s photographs of celebrated women performers from the worlds of theater, ballet, and music, including Bette Midler, Angela Lansbury, Gelsey Kirkland, Suzanne Farrell, and Bernadette Peters.