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.
Born on this day in 1858 actress Eleonora Duse.
Happy 83rd birthday to critic and occasional performer Rex Reed.
Happy 86th birthday actress and songstress Julie Andrews!
On this day in 1996 the Metropolitan Opera opened its season with a revival of Andrea Chénier.
On this day in 2003 the Metropolitan Opera opened with a revival of La traviata featuring Renée Fleming as Violetta.
Happy 87th birthday to actress, singer and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot.
On this day in 2010, the Metropolitan Opera opened with a new production of Das Rheingold.
On this day in 1983 the Metropolitan Opera opened its season with a revival of Les Troyens featuring the company debut of Jessye Norman.
On this day in 1989 General Manager Hugh Southern (not pictured) celebrated his only opening night (he resigned in May 1990).
On this day in 2007 the Metropolitan Opera opened its season with a new production of Lucia di Lammermoor directed by Mary Zimmerman and starring Natalie Dessay.
On this day in 1974 the Metropolitan Opera opened its season with a performance perhaps most notable for who was not present: Montserrat Caballé canceled her own opening night.
On this day in 1986, the Metropolitan Opera opened its season with a new production of Wagner’s Die Walküre.
On this day in 1968 mezzo-soprano Shirley Verrett made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Carmen.
Happy 87th birthday actress Sophia Loren.
Happy 66th birthday to actor, singer and babe Rex Smith.
Happy birthday to soprano Anna Netrebko, who turns 50 today.
Born on this day in 1925 Broadway diva Dorothy Loudon.
Left this world on this day 44 years ago in Paris.
Born on this day in 1933 actress Zoe Caldwell.
Happy 54th birthday Harry Connick Jr..
Born on this day in 1890 designer Elsa Schiaparelli.
Born on this day in 1924 actress Sylvia Miles.
Born on this day in 1910 actor and director Jean-Louis Barrault.
On this day in 1949 Mae West headlined a revival of her most famous play, Diamond Lil, which she first played more than 20 years earlier.
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.
