By La Cieca 
La Cieca’s spy (not pictured) reports that mediated negotiations between NYCO and the unions lasted about two days before reaching another impasse. Long story short, no contract as of noon today—even though the chorus is called for rehearsal on Monday.
Meanwhile, Rufus Wainwright is proposing a solution to the deadlock: buy lots of Prima Donna tickets right now!
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.
Parterre Box concludes the thrilling first year of Talk of the Town by inviting your lightning rod opinions on several more categories of operatic argumentation.
