“Nobody is satisfied with the current ending of this very dramatic opera where the woman asks three questions of every suitor. . . . It’s like your nightmare Tinder date where if the guy doesn’t know the answer he gets his head cut off.” [Westchester]

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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