16_tonsLa Cieca has just heard from one of her habitually infallible moles that the refitting of the Met’s stages for the Robert Lepage Ring began today.

In order to bear the weight of the (estimated) 42-ton structure that serves as the basic unit of the production, the main stage, side and rear stages, and Level C rehearsal space are being reinforced with massive steel beams at a rumored price tag of $50K per. The source also reveals that the estimated completion date for the renovation is July 31, at which time the installation of a new lighting system begins.  The cost? Millions, surely, but how many?

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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