A night at the opera

Woody Allen directing an opera? Well, he is and it seems like he pulled it off, at least according to this review that appeared in today's New York Times.

The production by the Los Angeles Opera company is actually three one-act operas by Puccini, with Allen directing only the third one, "Gianni Schicchi," which Allen described as "funny compared to 'Tosca,' not funny compared to Duck Soup'." The other two operas are directed by William Friedkin, another respected film director.

And, according to this positive review in the Los Angeles Times, the idea to woo Allen to the Los Angeles opera was the brainchild of Placido Domingo.

I read recently where the Dallas Opera has hired George Steel, a man "hailed for innovative programming," as its new general director. Hmm. Woody Allen, "innovative programming." I wonder if Steel has any plans along these lines? I have contacted the Dallas Opera posing this exact question and will update this should I receive a reply.