I don't know how much you know about Opera, but it can be staged in so many ways that, aside from the music, you can wonder if you are seeing the same Opera!

I saw Turandot at the Met 2 or 3 years ago. They set was this opulent, kingdom in whites, silvers,shimmering,ethereal. It was spectacular! Last night the setting was seedy Peking, like a red-light district. The first character killed end up completely naked. There was an orgy like atmosphere, men on men, menage a trois with women, a chorus line of gay men prancing, half-dressed women writhing all over the place. Staging was dark without added smoke making it more so.

I'm not a prude but this silliness took away from what I believe the first act should be about, which is to begin to care for the lead actors, the story itself. It was awful and I almost left.

Act II was better with Liu killing herself to save Prince Calaf. Act III got improved more with Calaf singing Nessun Dorma. The actor did a wonderful job of it but, I think this song should only be performed by Pavarotti. I guess they would have to shelf any future productions of Turandot!

NO ONE does curtain calls like the Italians! Not in Vienna, London, Spain, France or the US. Usually curtain calls keep going as long as the audience is cheering wildly, begging for more. In Italy, they go on as long as the Diva wants it to, even as the crowd begins to exit. You'll have no problem identifying her in the pics.

The performance lasted until 11:30 or so and it was so romantic to be walking back to my hotel at nearly midnight through Galleria Vittorio Emmanuel (sp) where all the luxury brands have their stores.(I'll post pics of that from earlier in the day). The cobblestone streets were shimmering from earlier rain. The walks takes you across Piazza Duoma (the big Cathedral in Milan). There were people everywhere so I wasn't frightened. It was magical...one of those moments that reminds me of why I travel.

Not proof reading. Lost the post once!