WindyCityOperaman
Dan Soda (Windy City Operaman) is a Chicago native whose first visit to opera was at age 17 and Massenet’s Werther with Troyanos and Kraus. Nothing was ever the same. Opera and concert performances, recordings and video are an obsession. He prepares Parterre Box’s daily birthday and anniversary tributes. He also enjoys concerts, live theater and movies.
On this day in 1940, the wholesome family musical Pal Joey opened on Broadway.
On this day in 1893 Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel premiered in Weimar.
Born on this day in 1858 composer Giacomo Puccini.
Happy 84th birthday to actress, political activist, environmentalist, and former fashion model Jane Fonda.
Born on this day in 1898 actress and singer Irene Dunne.
Born on this day in 1888 actress Gladys Cooper.
Born on this day in 1946 actor, director and screenwriter Eugene Levy.
Born on this day in 1961 Broadway (and elsewhere) diva LaChanze.
On this day in 1952 Bette Davis headlined the opening night of the Broadway revue Two’s Company.
Born on this day in 1932 songstress Abbe Lane.
Born on this day in 1910 songstress Lillian Roth.
On this day in 1955 the film The Rose Tattoo premiered in New York City.
Happy 90th birthday actress and singer Rita Moreno.
Born on this day in 1903 actress Una Merkel.
Born on this day in 1902 actress Margaret Hamilton.
On this day in 1949 the Jule Styne musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes opened on Broadway.
Born on this day in 1893 actress Fay Bainter.
Born on this day in 1900 actress Agnes Moorehead.
Born on this day in 1898 soprano Grace Moore.
Born on this day in 1921 film songstress Deanna Durbin.
On this day in 1993 the first issue of parterre box was published.
Born on this day in 1923.
On this day in 1968, for the first time in history, it was Turkey Lurkey Time.
Born on this day in 1920 actress Virginia Mayo.
Tell us: What was the best of 2025?
Parterre Box concludes the thrilling first year of Talk of the Town by inviting your lightning rod opinions on several more categories of operatic argumentation.
