The B list The B list

Mezzo-sopranos often get stuck being the mother, the lady-in-waiting or the “other woman”… but not today!

Some Otter time

Happy 64th birthday mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter.

To Wong Foo, Fangs for Everything To Wong Foo, Fangs for Everything

“The opera The Lord of Cries. . . . with the equally astounding Anthony Roth Costanzo.”

The shadow of his smile The shadow of his smile

“Hello, Clarice!”

Sun king Sun king

Happy birthday to countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo.

Gold rush Gold rush

The Metropolitan Opera has named soprano Lisette Oropesa as the winner of the 14th annual Beverly Sills Artist Award.

Lakeside story Lakeside story

In our current political climate with issues of immigration, tribalism, and white nationalists, the 1957 musical West Side Story has a distinctly contemporary feel.

What the cat dragged in What the cat dragged in

As you can imagine, oaths are sworn, curses are flung with avidity, and a mysterious shepherd sings a tune of foreboding from a distant mountain gorge just when you’d expect it.

Gold coast Gold coast

On this day in 2018 the Metropolitan Opera celebrated 50 years at Lincoln Center.

Something With a ‘Ring’ to It Something With a ‘Ring’ to It

Cycle II represented an embarrassment of musical riches.

Riding on empty Riding on empty

Two atmospheric but bleak works provide a musical illustration of the notion that misery loves company. 

The lady in question The lady in question

The story shows what may happen when corrupt individuals occupy positions of trust.

Middle of the riddle Middle of the riddle

Born on this day in 1941 soprano Ghena Dimitrova.

Ziggy-zaggy Ziggy-zaggy

From Twitter.

Behind closed doors Behind closed doors

Mozart appears to find promiscuity a source of humor rather than something that is a fundamental problem.

The proper poise when you talk to boys, little ways to flirt and flounce The proper poise when you talk to boys, little ways to flirt and flounce

Congratulations to that diva of the moment, irresistible Isabel Leonard, for finally signing with her brand-new publicist, Galinda!

Lucky strike Lucky strike

On this day in 1955 the Richard Adler / Jerry Ross musical Damn Yankees opened at the 46th Street Theatre, to run 1019 performances. 

Like a prayer Like a prayer

It was quite a pleasure—a privilege, really—to see John Dexter’s legendary production of Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites.

Broadcast: Aida Broadcast: Aida

A recording of the October 5, 2018 performance from the Met.

Debutante Debutante

Born on this day in 1930 soprano Roberta Peters.

Broadcast: Dialogues des Carmélites Broadcast: Dialogues des Carmélites

The season premiere of the meditative Poulenc opera begins tonight at 7:25 pm.

Entrepreneur Entrepreneur

Born on this day in 1844 impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte.

Sunday will never be the same Sunday will never be the same

“Trove Thursday” presents two live versions of Sunday in the Park with George.

Sweet comic valentine Sweet comic valentine

Born on this day in 1897 Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart.