Pregame Show:
7:12pm: So we're trying this LiveStream technology again, this time with the opening night of Don Giovanni. The stream should be up at 7:30pm but there's no pre-show this time with Met radio broadcast announcers. So I'll just provide some background.
7:18pm: Energy hustlers in cheap uniforms with clipboards at the front door of my Brooklyn co-op, trying to solicit personal information from my neighbors. Actually had to hold the door shut and wait for them to leave. Not like my servant invited them to dinner or anything--although the idea of people in disguise getting into the house is central to Don Giovanni.
7:20pm: The Met has had bad luck with Don Giovanni. I've made this point before. But this new production, mounted by Michael Grandage has had it worse than most. The first casualty was music director James Levine, who went down with a back injury after a fall on Labor Day Weekend. He's been replaced by Fabio Luisi.
7:23pm: Worse luck struck again at Monday's dress rehearsal, when star baritone Mariusz Kwiecien went down with an injured disc, not ten minutes into the opera. Mr. Kwiecien has had back surgery and his prognosis is good. His substitute: Peter Mattei, recently heard in Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Dwayne Croft remains the cover.
7:25pm: Welcome to the Metropolitan Opera Online Stream. Stay with us because tonight's broadcast will begin shortly.
