It is mind boggling to me that I can drive from my home, for a measly ten minutes, and see this incredible production rather than having to hop on plane, travel to NYC, and cab it to Lincoln Center. While I believe that there is nothing better than a live performance, this has to be the next best thing; and it is like having a front row seat...only better because the audience is given aerial views of dance formations, occasional close-ups of the performers, back stage shots, and even interviews with the lead singers as they exit the stage. All that for $15. I'll take it! And no opera glasses needed.
The theater is sold-out and the parking lot full as we join local opera lovers, as well as a nation-wide audience, to witness a breathtaking performance of this not so familiar opera, a fact that does not lower the enjoyment quotient at all. The Met expects Armida to reach 250,000 viewers, and this 9 show season has sold 2.2 million tickets. Wow.
Next up? An encore performance of Carmen in July. I'm so there.
