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.
Or, who knows, maybe Pavarotti had stage fright for the first opera he ever sang on stage?
Blackhurst replaces Christine Ebersole, whose commitments have changed this summer due to professional reasons.
“Carmencita Gets Caught in a Sudden Summer Rainstorm.”
As La Cieca has said so often, there is nothing tackier than a low-budget regional production of Traviata.
The gods get their kicks on Route 66.
Live from the Bayerische Staatsoper, Gluck’s “reform opera” stars Charles Castronovo and Dorothea Röschmann.
Galas, Charles Ludlam‘s legendary “modern tragedy” about a larger-than-life Greek opera diva with a tumultuous offstage life, opens Sunday, June 16.
Norman Lebrecht will open season with his own unrepentant ignorance.
Staatsoper Berlin and the Met are programming Ken Ludwig‘s classic Lend Me a Tenor.
Live from the Vienna State Opera!
Blame it on the Madonna-Whore Complex, cher public, but this years most hotly-contested parterre box “Pubie” award ended in a tie!
If there is one thing kids really stan, it’s charcuterie tailgating!
Theatre at St. John’s and Yorick Theatre Co. are presenting the first ever revival of Charles Ludlam‘s Galas, “inspired by the life of La Divina Maria Callas.”
“Be sure to join us in July for a gala performance of Candide to kick off the Bernstein Bicentennial Celebration.”
It’s that time of year again, cher public, when you select your favorites for the 2019 parterre box “Pubie” awards.
Today is Liberace‘s centennial!
“Records show conductor James Levine’s company received $936,755 from the Metropolitan Opera in his 47th and final season.”
“Company vows to do better.”
“Gelb said the Ring probably will return in five or six years…”
“Dress fitting for my new role debut as Abigaille.”
Twitter.
The final Saturday afternoon broadcast of the 2018-2019 season begins at noon today!
The final streaming broadcast of the Met season is beginning!
The 2020 Glyndebourne Festival features the company’s first production ever of Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites, in a production directed by Barrie Kosky and starring Danielle de Niese.
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
