It takes a lot from you commenters to surprise La Cieca, but this time she was frankly bowled over by the depth and breadth of your imagination. Choosing winners in the “Steel Yourself” competition was one of the most difficult judging tasks she ever set herself, but somehow she managed to narrow the field down to a single superative season in each category.

The donors would have be deep-pocketed indeed, but it would be worth it to showcase the ambitious but realizable season proposed by grimoaldo. For a season of one’s wildest dreams, La Cieca thinks the most tempting is the one offered by ianw2, with the interactive production of Midsummer Night’s Dream in Central Park particularly appealing. Bravi tutti!

ianw2 and grimoaldo are requested to email La Cieca so she may forward to them their richly-deserved Amazon gift card.

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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