Zoot Suits, Broadswords and Benny Hill: Ballo at the Metropolitan Opera

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We recently went to Ballo at the Met.   I had never seen it before so I was excited.   But I quickly ended up feeling like I had entered The Twilight Zone.  Most of the audience was going wild for the production and I was surprised at what I was seeing and hearing.  Now, the music… [Read More]

Dirty Codpieces, Sequins and Sneezing: The Tempest at the Metropolitan Opera

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We saw The Tempest at the Met last week and it left me with many questions.  Perhaps someone can answer at least a few of them. I know it was a contemporary opera, written in the last decade, but it left me not only with questions but also a general feeling of unease like I… [Read More]

Blinded By Love: Elisir at the Metropolitan Opera

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Last Wednesday, we saw Elixir of Love at the Met with Anna Netrebko and Matthew Polenzani.  I had heard much negative commentary about the new production but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was the first performance of the season in our subscription seats in Dress Circle.  The view was terrific and despite the smell of Ben… [Read More]

Prelude to Performance: The Making of an Opera Singer

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Martina Arroyo I’ve attended many opera performances at the Metropolitan Opera and other venues in recent years.  But I’d never reflected upon the many layers of work, expertise and skill that go into the productions I enjoy for a couple few hours (and then go home).  How do talented opera singers even get to perform… [Read More]

What’s Wrong With the Metropolitan Opera Online Survey?? A Lot.

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Last week after finally obtaining a subscription to the Metropolitan Opera—and clearing up error after error (in call after draining call) —I received an email requesting I answer a survey from the Met.  It warned me that it would take up to 20 minutes to complete.  That’s a fairly long time for a survey, but… [Read More]

Why The Met Is Failing (And It Ain’t Just Artistic)

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It’s no secret Peter Gelb and the Metropolitan Opera are trying to court a younger audience.  Both its advertising campaigns as well as the Met’s Live in HD broadcasts are hoping to snare a wider and younger audience.  I thought of this at the last opera I attended there, Macbeth, as I sat in a… [Read More]

Vocal Folds, Frilly Shirts and Hair Dryers: General Misconceptions About Opera (and Life) Growing Up with Opera Singers

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1.  The use of a hairdryer is a vital aesthetic and artistic statement. 2.  Tosca, the story of a happy go lucky baron with a heart of gold and a user friendly SM/Leather fetish, ends after the second act.  3.  Don Giovanni is a love story and somehow being dragged bodily to hell is a… [Read More]

Fashion Week at Lincoln Center

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We’re not plugged in to the New York fashion scene so of course we didn’t get invited to any of the Fashion Week events of 2012.  Imagine our excitement when a partner at Elizabeth’s law firm gave us tickets to see the Barbara Siviglia collection at Lincoln Center. We got dressed up in our trendiest… [Read More]

How To Stylishly Cuddle At The Metropolitan Opera And Other Dirty Tricks

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I have been to the Met a great great many times, and with a great (great) many women throughout the years, and have had many bizarre adventures there.  (Ask me about the time I had sex with my high school girlfriend on the Zeffirelli Third Act set of Aida while the Second Act Triumphal March… [Read More]