‘Cries’ baby

Should the new John Corigliano / Mark Adamo opera The Lord of Cries be renamed The Lord of Crisis?

Surely there is at least a whiff of disarray in a world premiere in which the prima donna female role, scheduled (until yesterday!) to be sung by Susanna Phillips has now suddenly been reassigned to first year apprentice singer Kathryn Henry (pictured above).

Ms. Henry will perform the opening night barely 60 hours from now.

Photo: © Fay Fox

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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