The Metropolitan Opera’s season opens tonight with a new production of Wagner’s Das Rheingold. I will be wearing a gold dress and drinking at Valhalla after, why? Because I like a well-curated event. I also plan on asking Eric if I can borrow the ring for the night. It’s entirely possible that the Met costume department will Wotan’s-spear off my finger, but I’m gonna give it a go. Again, because I like an event.
As usual, the Met has provided multiple ways for folks to experience the production:
At the Opera House
The Met’s 2010-11 season kicks off on September 27 with the gala premiere of Robert Lepage’s new production of Wagner’s Das Rheingold. James Levine, celebrating his 40th anniversary with the Met, will conduct, and Bryn Terfel stars as Wotan. Curtain time is 6.45pm EST. [Note from Amanda: The run is completely sold out, so this isn’t actually an option anymore!]In Times Square
Opening Night will be transmitted live to multiple giant screens in Times Square. Approximately 2,000 seats will be available on a first come, first served basis, with additional standing room provided. Pre-show coverage, including red-carpet interviews and special features, starts at 6.15pm EST.
On Lincoln Center Plaza
The performance will also be shown on a screen on the Met façade, with 3,000 seats available on Lincoln Center’s Josie Robertson Plaza. Pre-show coverage, including red-carpet interviews and special features, starts at 6.15pm EST. Free tickets, with a limit of two per person, will be distributed at the Met box office beginning Sunday, September 26, at noon. [Note from Amanda: All the tickets have been distributed!]On the Air
The Opening Night Gala will be broadcast live on Metropolitan Opera Radio on SIRIUS XM and streamed live on the Met’s website. Both transmissions feature pre-show coverage, starting at 6pm EST.
The Met: Live in HD
The October 9 performance of Das Rheingold kicks off the Met’s fifth season of Live in HD transmissions, now seen in more than 1,500 theaters in 46 countries. The transmission will be hosted by Deborah Voigt, who later this season makes her role debut as Brünnhilde in the Ring’s second installment, Die Walküre.
It is mildly hard to believe classical music is dying when New Yorkers are lining up around Lincoln Center for tickets to the plaza simulcast of a completely sold-out Wagner opera. From the Met’s (excellent) Twitter feed:
Also, a favor: if you’re braving the rain and going to Times Square tonight, can you take a picture of Eric Owens on the big screen for me? There’s a signed program and my eternal gratitude in it for you if you do.