It appears that tenor Stephen Costello, whom some of you guessed was a subject of a recent blind item, is not so centrally involved in the controversy as was imagined.

In a statement sent to La Cieca, Metropolitan Opera Press Director Peter Clark declares, “Lord Percy’s Tower of London scene in Act II of Anna Bolena has been cut from this production for purely dramaturgical reasons. Stephen Costello was ready and willing to sing it.”

And now that’s all cleared up, there’s room for another mystery, and—what do you know, it’s another tenor aria landing on the cutting room floor!

(Photo: Adam Leigh-Manuell)

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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