La Cieca is informed that tomorrow’s final dress rehearsal of Hamlet is as closed as closed can be: covers, Met staff and a few handpicked guests of Peter Gelb are the only humans to be allowed in the auditorium as the Thomas is teched. It’s natural enough, since — as we all know — the opening night Ophélie, Marlis Petersen, will not be present for this last runthrough, busy as she is singing Medea in Vienna gleichzeitzig. This veil of secrecy is like catnip to La Cieca, of course, so should you, cher pube, be one of the chosen few to get a glimpse of Simon Keenyside‘s Dane, please, please, drop your doyenne an email with all the details!
Trapped in the closet
By La Cieca 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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