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.

The little wooden boy The little wooden boy

Happy 95th birthday to director, librettist, composer and funnyman Mel Brooks.

By on June 28, 2021 at 8:00 AM
12 comments
High flying bird High flying bird

Born on this day in 1932 soprano Anna Moffo.

By on June 27, 2021 at 1:25 PM
18 comments
Lip sync for your life Lip sync for your life

Born on this day in 1922 actress Eleanor Parker.

By on June 26, 2021 at 8:00 AM
45 comments
Last dance Last dance

On this day in 1979 the legendary Broadway flop Got Tu Go Disco (a musical about a disco-hating saleswoman who becomes the queen of her local dance club) opened at the Minskoff Theater, closing a week later.

By on June 25, 2021 at 12:12 PM
15 comments
Nobody does it like me Nobody does it like me

Born on this day in 1942, actress and producer Michele Lee.

By on June 24, 2021 at 4:00 AM
16 comments
“I thank God that I wasn’t born perfect” “I thank God that I wasn’t born perfect”

Born on this day in 1927 dancer and choreographer Bob Fosse.

By on June 23, 2021 at 10:50 AM
12 comments
“I’m all over the place” “I’m all over the place”

Born on this day in 1949 actress Meryl Streep.

By on June 22, 2021 at 11:26 AM
6 comments
“Publicity can be terrible” “Publicity can be terrible”

Born on this day in 1921 actress and singer Jane Russell.

By on June 21, 2021 at 11:15 AM
68 comments
The other woman The other woman

Born on this day in 1911 actress and television producer Gail Patrick.

By on June 20, 2021 at 10:54 AM
31 comments
A little air of mystery A little air of mystery

Born on this day in 1921 actor Louis Jourdan.

By on June 19, 2021 at 9:21 AM
8 comments
I love a parade I love a parade

Born on this day in 1903 actress and singer Jeanette MacDonald.

By on June 18, 2021 at 9:43 AM
17 comments
King of the Underworld King of the Underworld

Happy 90th birthday mezzo-soprano Mignon Dunn.

By on June 17, 2021 at 8:08 AM
27 comments
Storm at sea Storm at sea

Born on this day in 1899 soprano Helen Traubel.

By on June 16, 2021 at 7:55 AM
12 comments
Here’s to us! Here’s to us!

Born on this day in 1929 composer Seymour Kaufman (better known as Cy Coleman).

By on June 14, 2021 at 6:00 AM
27 comments
I hope you’re satisfied! I hope you’re satisfied!

Born on this day in 1926 funnyman Paul Lynde.

By on June 13, 2021 at 6:46 AM
7 comments
I am worshipped by millions I am worshipped by millions

On this day in 1963 the spectacular and troubled film Cleopatra finally premiered.

By on June 12, 2021 at 1:00 AM
32 comments
Naught can efface you Naught can efface you

Born on this day in 1913 mezzo-soprano Risë Stevens.

By on June 11, 2021 at 1:53 AM
25 comments
Deep in the heart of me Deep in the heart of me

Born on this day in 1891 composer Cole Porter.

By on June 09, 2021 at 7:23 AM
66 comments
And now someone else is getting all your best And now someone else is getting all your best

Happy 81st birthday to songstress Nancy Sinatra.

By on June 08, 2021 at 6:58 AM
91 comments
You couldn’t buy this kind of publicity You couldn’t buy this kind of publicity

Born on this day in 1924 actress and singer Dolores Gray.

By on June 07, 2021 at 3:22 AM
36 comments
The Queen of Technicolor The Queen of Technicolor

Born on this day in 1912, actress Maria Montez.

By on June 06, 2021 at 2:23 AM
87 comments
Maid about you Maid about you

Happy 56th birthday soprano Sandrine Piau.

By on June 05, 2021 at 3:34 AM
43 comments
“Maybe my style is eccentric” “Maybe my style is eccentric”

Born on this day in 1913 journalist and panelist Dorothy Kilgallen.

By on June 03, 2021 at 8:00 AM
50 comments
Because it’s June Because it’s June

On this day in 1969 Renata Tebaldi and Franco Corelli opened the Met’s June Festival in Tosca.

By on June 02, 2021 at 6:05 AM
18 comments