At last the future plans of America’s Most Beloved Semi-Retired People’s Diva have been revealed! Renée Fleming (right) will return to the Metropolitan Opera in 2019 for the world premiere of an opera with libretto by Mark Adamo and music by Jake Heggie. 

The new piece, still untitled, is based on the FX series Feud, and will feature Fleming as “Bette Davis.” She is pictured here with her collaborators in the venture, mezzo Elina Garanca (“Joan Crawford”) and stage director Robert Carsen, who will play the non-singing role of “Mamacita.”

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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