Murder on the orientation express Murder on the orientation express

Rufus Wainwright is determined to offer a spectacle and that intention overrides all other considerations.

You’re the top You’re the top

“Hadrian leans mournfully against the sarcophagus containing Antinous’s body as five male dancers in G-strings stand statuesque in the background.”

“It’s been a lot of fun” “It’s been a lot of fun”

Joyce DiDonato and Rufus Wainwright will discuss a variety of topics…”

I gave my love a cherry that had no tone I gave my love a cherry that had no tone

Rufus (Prima Donna) Wainwright sinks his teeth into a little Mascagni, partnered by a very game Sarah Fox.

“This is the point of no return!” “This is the point of no return!”

“My opera will be the grandest of all!”

Just another prick and the wall Just another prick and the wall

Why Rufus Wainwright is turning a Roman emperor into a cock…

If you have chunks, prepare to spew them now If you have chunks, prepare to spew them now

For Rufus Wainwright, sitting in a dressing room backstage at Latitude festival, rock ‘n’ roll habits die hard.

We hold these truths to be self-evident We hold these truths to be self-evident

“Rufus Wainwright Talks Opera Prima Donna and Why the Genre’s ‘Not for Sissies'”

Rain on the Rufus Rain on the Rufus

“With Anjelica Huston, Parker Posey and Yoko Ono dotting the crowd at BAM Sunday afternoon, the New York City Opera’s premiere of Prima Donna offered more diva presence offstage than on.”

Appearances to the contrary, La Cieca can’t be everywhere at once, so she’s relying on you, cher public, to share your impressions (written, not vocal) of the Rufus Wainwright/George Steel extravaganza last night at the World Financial Center. (Extra points for the use of the word “travertine.”)

La Cieca is told that Rufus Wainwright announced tonight from the stage of Carnegie Hall (not pictured) that his maiden oeuvre Prima Donna will be performed by the New York City Opera in 2012. (Photo: Clive Barda)

“Three-time Grammy winner Rene’e Fleming is beloved by classical and opera fans around the world [ça va sans dire], but the superstar soprano has also earned the admiration of a new generation of singers and songwriters …. “