In fact, Lucia is due in New York in less than a month, but current reports about the proposed prima donna are not encouraging.  

Naturally La Cieca wishes no one ill, but on the other hand, La Cieca likes to think the Met has fallback plans in case Natalie Dessay pulls another Hamlet this season.  And so, cher public, since you are so wise, your suggestions please: which soprano should the Met be lining up in case of a Natalie no-show?