Once upon a Thames
“Likewise Susan Bullock and Nicholas Phan—leading exponents of Wagner and Britten respectively…”
By
La Cieca
“Houston Grand Opera’s 2014–15 season, the company’s 60th anniversary season, includes the world premiere of A Christmas Carol by Iain Bell… from award-winning Dickens authority Simon Callow… the American premieres of Sir Nicholas Hytner’s The Magic Flute and Lee Blakeley’s Sweeney Todd…. John Cox’s Otello… and Michael Grandage’s hit staging of Madame Butterfly…. Iain Paterson’s first staged portrayal of Wotan…. Likewise Susan Bullock and Nicholas Phan—leading exponents of Wagner and Britten respectively—join Nathan Gunn in turning their talents to gallows humor with role debuts in Sweeney Todd…” [HGO]
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.
