Metropolitan Opera Offers to Pay “The Situation” To Stop Attending Its Performances
By
La Cieca
With their quick rise to fame, the cast of MTV reality show “Jersey Shore” has cashed in on a number of endorsement deals, including weight loss supplements, alcohol and bronzer. But here’s a first. Manhattan culture retailer The Metropolitan Opera is offering to pay Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino not to attend its performances.
General Manager Peter Gelb released a statement Tuesday evening in which he stated a “deep concern” over the association between Mr. Sorrentino and the company. The Met offered up a “substantial payment” to Mr. Sorrentino “to attend the New York City Opera.”
In response to an interview request, the company released a statement: “The Met asked Mr. Sorrentino to please stop making unconfirmed appearances at future seasons, and he agreed.”
(With apologies to The Wall Street Journal and The New York Observer.)
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.
