The Met and the Mets

Went to the Metropolitan Opera last week to see Puccini's Il Trittico. Three one-act operas tucked into one tidy evening (well, if almost 4 hours worth of opera + intermissions can be called tidy.) Stunning and spectacular and all that stuff. Far from perfect, but definitely a good night out. The biggest production at the Met this year, and if you've ever been there, you know that that's downright impressive. Three completely different, gigantic sets - even if, as my friend said - and everyone was thinking, one of them did bring to mind The Sound of Music. ;)

Worth mentioning: Barbara Frittoli, the main soprano in Suor Angelica, the second of the night's three operas, has one of the most amazing voices I've ever heard. At least, she was fantastic last Thursday. We were sitting waaaaaaay up in the back of the top balcony, and when she opened her mouth the first time, my head just snapped toward her. Incredible, seemingly effortless singing poured out of her and filled that huge hall with some pretty glorious music.

Which doesn't mean that Suor Angelica isn't still a pretty cheesy story.

Gianni Schicchi was tremendously fun. Funnier than maybe any opera I remember seeing/hearing. Have to get back there, maybe before the final week of the season next year...

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Caught the Mets again last night at Shea, getting beat up by the Cubs this time. I have enough fondness for the Cubs that I appreciated seeing Aramis Ramirez's grand slam in person (and not SO much fondness for the Mets that I couldn't let myself enjoy it. Plus, Shawn Green gave us a four-bagger for the Mets' lonely run, so that was fun too) Tonight they had a big rain delay. Flipped channels a while ago and was surprised to see the game going on after all. It's almost midnight and they're just in the 6th inning. Sorry guys, not gonna stay up for this one...