Our Own JJ takes to the airwaves this afternoon to yak about the new regime at NYCO. He’ll be on “Soundcheck” on WNYC between 2:00 and 3:00 PM. La Cieca is told that George Steel himself will also be on the program, so she will caution JJ to be sparing in his use of the word “dick.”

In fact, the word “dick” may soon be used not at all, if the reaction of at least one NYCO staffer to Steel’s introductory meeting this morning holds true. La Cieca hears that the new GD’s brief remarks were “auspicious and well-received” and the staffer even sounded cautiously optimistic: “If he’s true to his words, I think sunnier days are ahead for NYCO.”

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.

Comments