Peter Gelb has transformed New York’s Metropolitan Opera since becoming general manager in the summer of 2006. His goal is broadening the opera house’s audience, trimming down opera’s overstuffed pomp and replacing it with populist circumstance. Basically, he wants regular people like us to enjoy opera again.Central to Gelb’s plan are a slew of new productions that rework classics with fresh eyes and ears. He’s bringing in directors, designers and talent at the forefront of their respective arts worldwide to tackle the job. The most exciting thing about it is we’ll actually get to see it. How? The Met is broadcasting eight live performances—in high-definition—in select movie theaters across the globe. New Mexico is one of the lucky markets. Simulcasts will be held at Albuquerque’s Cottonwood Starport (10000 Coors NW) and Santa Fe’s Lensic Performing Arts Center (211 West San Francisco), with eight productions on the big screen by the end of April 2008. Tickets for each performance are $22 for adults, $20 seniors and $15 for children. Here’s a look at what’s to come. Roméo et Juliet Saturday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m.Running time: 3 hours, 30 minutes. 1 intermission Gounod’s sensual treatment of Shakespeare is conducted by Plácido Domingo. Soprano Anna Netrebko and tenor Roberto Alagna are featured in the titular roles. Hansel and Gretel Tuesday, Jan. 1, 11 a.m.Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes. 1 intermissionAn all-English libretto and music by Engelbert Humperdinck (the 19 th -century German opera composer, not the laxative pop artist from the ’60s) cap off this much-hyped new production. Macbeth Saturday, Jan. 12, 11:30 a.m.Running time: 3 hours, 20 minutes. 1 intermissionYet another new production displays Verdi’s Shakespeare-induced nightmare with baritone Lado Ataneli and bass-baritone John Relyea in the lead. Manon Lescaut Saturday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m.Running time: 3 hours, 41 minutes. 3 intermissionsPerfect for Valentine’s Day, Puccini‘s first great love affair comes to life more than 25 years since its last appearance at the Met. Peter Grimes Saturday, March 15, 11:30 a.m.Running time: 3 hours, 45 minutes. 2 intermissionsDirector John Doyle (who won a Tony for his treatment of of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd ) makes his Met debut with a new production of Britten‘s dark and multilayered social study. Tristan und Isolde Saturday, March 22, 10:30 a.m.Running time: 5 hours, 35 minute. 2 intermissionsAch, Wagner! The roots of atonal music are audible in this philosophically rich melodrama. La Bohème Saturday, April 5, 11:30 a.m.Running time: 3 hours, 20 minutes. 2 intermissionsAnyone holding out for a breathtakingly festooned Zeffirelli production shouldn’t miss this. Puccini’s most beloved work comes alive with all the requisite bells and whistles. La Fille du Régiment Saturday, April 26, 11:30 a.m.Running time: 3 hours, 10 minutes. 1 intermissionEnding on a light note, a new production of Donizetti’s comic opera features four-time Tony winner Zoe Caldwell as the Duchess of Krakenthorp.
Fat Ladies In Helmets
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