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.
Nobody gets anything for nothing
Born on this day in 1899 film diva Gloria Swanson.
Small victory
On this day in 1977 soprano Ileana Cotrubas made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Mimì.
Going for the gold
On this day in 2003 the legendary Chita Rivera celebrated 50 years as a Broadway performer playing the role of Liliane LeFleur in a Broadway revival of the musical Nine.
Mods against tomorrow
On this day in 1967, model, singer and entrepreneur Twiggy arrived in New York City.
Star quality
Happy 91st birthday soprano Antonietta Stella.
The sacred idol
Born on this day in 1922 composer, arranger and “King of Exotica” Les Baxter.
Nervous, questing, insatiable
On this day in 1949, Ljuba Welitsch sang the title role of Salome on a Met broadcast.
It was a glad adventure
On this day in 1954 the musical The Golden Apple opened off-Broadway.
The matching of tones
Born on this day in 1892 soprano Dame Eva Turner.
Don’t talk to strangers
Born on this day in 1910 composer Samuel Barber.
Just leave everything to me!
Happy 61st birthday to musical theater diva Donna Murphy.
En direct
Happy 45th birthday conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
A soldier’s play
On this day in 1959 Alban Berg‘s Wozzeck had its Metropolitan Opera premiere.
Pettifogging
Happy 66th birthday to comic genius Catherine O’Hara.
Flopéra comique
On this day in 1875 Bizet’s Carmen had its disastrous premiere at the Opéra Comique in Paris.
Never mind the ants
On this day in 1960 debonair Don Ameche donned yellowface to star in the notorious flop musical 13 Daughters, which ran 28 performances.
A massacred ball
On this day in 1836 Meyerbeer’s Les Huguenots premiered in Paris.
Welcome to the dollhouse
On this day in 1910 prima ballerina Anna Pavlova made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in Coppelia (on a double bill with Werther!)
“Even when we speak it is musical”
Born on this day in 1935 soprano Mirella Freni.
To think of shadows
Born on this day in 1802 author and playwright Victor Hugo.
Roz’s turn
On this day in 1953 Rosalind Russell topped the bill on the opening night of Wonderful Town, with a score by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green.
More than a diva
Happy 86th Birthday soprano Renata Scotto.
I’ll take the fall
The days are getting shorter, but you can keep the prattle going this fall’s Talk of the Town! You will, you can, you must join in the discussion about: Great mezzo soprano performances (October),
Gained in translation (November), Teleport me back to… (December).
Win a Free Ticket to Opening Night at the Met!
Quinn Kelsey and Lise Davidsen star in the Met's new Macbeth. We're giving away one ticket, so screw your courage to the sticking place and enter now!
