Now, don’t get La Cieca wrong, she’s very team Tyne Daly, and it’s not like your doyenne hasn’t been  known to hit the airbrush herself from time to time. But  who could think it was a good idea to present La Divina, even post-retouch, as a finalist on RuPaul’s Drag Race? [New York Times]

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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