A new feature just introduced on the Met’s website allows customers to view and select exact seats available for a given performance. It’s handy for those of us in the audience who prefer a certain row or area, but another less obvious benefit is that the online maps offer a snapshot of how ticket sales are going for a given performance. For example, here’s what Orchestra looks like for the February 2 repeat of Eugene Onegin:

The “o” symbol stands for a currently unsold seat; the dots are the seats that are already ticketed — so it does appear that a lot of seats for Onegin are going to show up on same-day rush or simply remain unfilled. (In contrast, for tonight’s Lucia only a handful of Family Circle standing room places remain available.)

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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