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 1926 mezzo-soprano Rita Gorr.
On this day in 1904 Puccini’s Madama Butterfly had its disastrous premiere in Milan. Three years later, though…
Born on this day in 1908 ur-belter Ethel Merman.
On this day in 588 BC Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon laid siege to Jerusalem under Zedekiah’s reign.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy 88th birthday to actress Kim Novak.
Born on this day in 1925 actress Kim Stanley.
Born on this day in 1909 samba singer, dancer, Broadway actress and film star Carmen Miranda.
Happy 34th birthday to soprano Lise Davidsen!
On this day in 1928 soprano Grace Moore made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Mimì.
Born on this day in 1899 actor Ramon Novarro.
On this day in 1949 the legendary Mae West revived her 1928 play Diamond Lil at the Coronet Theatre, playing (ça va sans dire) the title role.
Born on this day in 1918 actress, director and producer Ida Lupino.
Born on this day in 1887 poet and expatriate Gertrude Stein.
Happy 84th birthday soprano Martina Arroyo.
Born on this day in 1922 soprano Renata Tebaldi.
On this day in 1936 Billie Burke presented Ziegfeld Follies of 1936 with (among others) Fanny Brice, Bob Hope, Josephine Baker, Eve Arden, Judy Canova, Harriet Hoctor, Gertrude Niesen and The Nicholas Brothers. (Did I mention that the choreographer was George Balanchine and the sets and costumes were designed by Vincente Minnelli?)
Born on this day in 1882 actress Mary Boland.
Born on this day in 1923 actress and singer Anne Jeffreys.
Born on this day in 1963 tenor Marcello Giordani.
Born on this day in 76 AD Roman Emperor Hadrian.
Born on this day in 1909 actress Ann Sothern.
Born on this day in 1926 bodybuilder and actor Steve Reeves.
Born on this day in 1920 screenwriter and director Federico Fellini.
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.
