Month: August 2019

OR…bring your sandwich, your popcorn, your water, your other beverage, whatever that might be, your sweater, your umbrella and just sit back and enjoy…The FREE Metropolitan Opera’s Annual Summer HD Festival of glorious operas on the Plaza is here! August 23rd thru September 2nd!

And this year on Friday August 23rd, to kick off the Festival, is one of my favorite movies FUNNY FACE with that beautiful Audrey Hepburn and that charming Fred Astaire….combined with the streets of New York and the landmarks of Paris. . Add to that the gorgeous clothes, a charming love story all tied together with a great soundtrack..thanks to the Gershwin’s. A lovely night under the stars (hopefully) that can take one away from all the craziness in this world at least for a few hours.

Then starting on the 24th thru September 2nd, every night another opera with other glorious faces with their magnificent voices. Want more info?https://www.metopera.org/season/summer-2019/summer-hd-festival/

Here’s the lineup…people!

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Friday, August 23, 8 PM
Funny Face
Saturday, August 24, 7:45 PM
Aida Verdi
Sunday, August 25, 8 PM
Carmen Bizet
Monday, August 26, 7:45 PM
Das Rheingold Wagner
Tuesday, August 27, 7:45 PM
Dialogues des Carmélites Poulenc
Wednesday, August 28, 8 PM
Samson et Dalila Saint-Saëns
Thursday, August 29, 8 PM
Cendrillon Massenet( Cinderella – good intro to the opera for kids)
Friday, August 30, 8 PM
La Fanciulla del West Puccini
Saturday, August 31, 8 PM
La Fille du Régiment Donizetti
Sunday, September 1, 8 PM
Luisa Miller Verdi
Monday, September 2, 8 PM
Adriana Lecouvreur Cilea

Love this City…and adore wonderful free events like this one!

KAY’S NOTES: (Taken from one of my previous posts on the Festival that might be helpful
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Go early – the seats go quickly even though there are 3000 of them!
Good to know: The series goes on rain or shine except thunder storms. Suggest you bring extra jacket or sweater as it can get chilly. And, perhaps a seat cushion
Where to eat: All over the place. Many people, in fact, bring their own food, drinks and snacks. I, myself, am a popcorn and wine person.
Restaurant prices: In the area – varies from hotdog carts to OMG$$$$
Where is it: At Lincoln Center Plaza known as the Josie Robertson Plaza in front of the Met Opera House on the Upper West Side between West 62nd and 65th Streets and Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. Buses and subways close by. Plenty of parking. Met website has all kinds of info on directions.
Restrooms: Here’s the tricky part. If there is an event at the David Geffen Hall (formerly Avery Fisher) the restrooms are open in the Hall. But if not there are restrooms on the Concourse level below the Met Opera house. There is an elevator to Concourse level on the outside of the David Koch Theater or an escalator in front of the David Geffen Hall. Restrooms also at the David Rubenstein Atrium on Broadway between 62nd and 63rd right across the street.
Kid Friendly: Absolutely and stay for a little while or for the whole performance. Lots of kids will be there.

Photo and opera listings by Metropolitan Opera

*Disclaimer – I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes– but no guarantees people.