when divas collide

By La Cieca

December 7, 2008

Next week in New York will be notable for more than just RenÃ©e Fleming‘s first local whack at ThaÃ¯s. In fact, the night of Wednesday December 10 promises the convergence of two of La Cieca’s favorite demoiselles of dementia, Jessye Normous and Dorothy Bishop performing within minute and blocks of each other.

La Bishop’s show, “The Viva la Diva Christmas Spectacular” kicks off at 8:00 PM at Splash! You’ll only just have time to finish your drink there before sprinting seven blocks uptown to “Holy Holly, Jessye,” with Ms. Normous portrayed by Shequida (“Americas only Juilliard-trained drag opera diva”) at The Cutting Room on at 9:30.

The two ladies in question:

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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.