A YEAR AT THE MET

Rating:
Summary: Life Backstage at the Met
Review: Patrick Smith had the opportunity to spend the 1981-82 season backstage at the Metropolitan Opera House and this book is the fruit of his work. He tells the story of the opera company on a week by week basis. He tells how the company was only beginning to heal after the labor disputes of the previous year. He also gives play by play descriptions of some of the company's famous productions that year including the disastrous opening night performances of NORMA with Renata Scotto, the success of the now classic Zefferelli production of LA BOHEME, and the stateliness of Leontyne Price who was starring in IL TROVATORE that season. We hear about the in and outs oif the stars, as well as the set crew, orchestra members, support staff, and just about anyone else involved in making opera a reality at the Met.

The book is a gem for anyone who enjoys reading about the Met, but it will also be a great find for those who wonder how a company as large as the Met operates and what life is like behind the stage.