She fell in with evil companions

On this day in 1968, the musical Her First Roman closed at Lunt Fontanne Theater, New York City, after 17 performances.

On this day in 1968, the musical Her First Roman closed at Lunt Fontanne Theater, New York City, after 17 performances.

{This misbegotten tuner, “based on Bernard Shaw’s Caesar and Cleopatra,” has sunk without a trace. Here’s La Uggams in a slightly later (and much happier) moment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM6Buc2wguA

Born on this day in 1739 composer Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0VmAHK2X18

Born on this day in 1898 tenor Giuseppe Lugo
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kR4J6o0cbI

Born on this day in 1906 film, stage and opera director and designer Luchino Visconti
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on1gjtjcPzw

Born on this day in 1907 baritone Sigurd Björling
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDmU6Fi4ea4

Happy 85th birthday composer Harold Farberman
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFcupDA3-6U

Happy 71st birthday soprano Faye Robinson
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9xgcELAs-Q

Born on this day in 1944 cinema and stage director Patrice Chéreau
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxPrtsOtyUg

Born on this day in 1946 composer and conductor Giuseppe Sinopoli
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8T3TXSlKhM

Happy 70th birthday soprano Marie McLaughlin
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgDbXuugap0

Happy 68th birthday soprano Ruth Falcon
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItCPrKtO7bQ

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.

Comments

Sign up for Parterre’s free newsletter.

Exclusive opera reviews, commentary, and top reads
delivered to your email weekly…ish.