Which new production was reportedly such a “disaster” during early technical rehearsals that management seriously considered substituting the company’s older staging of the work? As it turned out, the decision was made that only a new production could justify the stratospheric ticket prices already factored into the budget, so the dreaded journey to the warehouse isn’t going to happen. On the other hand, the sets for this opera—which will remain nameless—apparently were both so unwieldy and so ugly that company insiders are confidently predicting that the production will be a “one season wonder,” never to be seen again after this year.
Don’t blink or you’ll miss it
Which new production was reportedly such a “disaster” during early technical rehearsals that management seriously considered substituting the company’s older staging of the work?
By La Cieca 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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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.
