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.

Born on this day in 1904 actress Gladys George.

Born on this day in 1938 mezzo-soprano Tatiana Troyanos.

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.

Happy 61st birthday soprano Karita Mattila.

Born on this day in 1910 singer, actress and arts advocate Kitty Carlisle Hart.

Born on this day in 1919 dancer Marge Champion.

Happy 93rd birthday actor and dreamboat George Maharis.

On this day in 1056 Byzantine Empress Theodora died childless, thus ending the Macedonian dynasty.