Yes, we know, earthquakes, radiation, diva cancellations and all that. But it does still seem a bit strange to La Cieca that the “new” Met, where Peter Gelb so vocally trumpets the vital importance of new productions, should send the shabby 30-year-old John Dexter production of Don Carlo (above) on tour to Japan the very season a shiny new Nicholas Hytner version (after the jump) premiered in New York.

On the other hand, presumably the Met has prepared lighter touring versions of the sets for Lucia di Lammermoor. Upon the company’s return to New York these new pieces could be traded out for the massive and ungainly structures that have forced intermissions to run 45 minutes or longer for the bel canto work, so that’s a plus.

Photos: Koichi Miura/Met Opera (Dexter); Ken Howard / Metropolitan Opera (Hytner).

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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