If I Ruled The Met — More “Audience Feedback”

The Met recently changed its rush ticket policy for the SECOND time this season. The important thing to remember is that there are still these FABULOUS day-of-the-performance tickets available for only $25. The change was to get rid of an online lottery for rush tickets. The lottery was introduced in September to replace a physical line that would form daily to get these tickets from the box office. The lottery, however, proved to be unpopular, and based on “audience feedback” the Met is now selling these seats online on a first come, first served basis. In addition, there are other “cheap” seats scattered around the Met – these include $25 orchestra standing room places, $25 “partial view” seats in the balcony and family circle, and $30-$50 (depending on the night and the show) “full view” seats in the family circle section.

That’s a lot of very reasonably priced opera tickets. So what am I complaining about?

Not complaining. Offering constructive criticism.

Here’s the deal. I believe the Met could do even better at making the opera more accessible to New Yorkers (and tourists) of modest means – and more popular. There’s another tweak Continue reading If I Ruled The Met — More “Audience Feedback” →

Homeland — No More Dying (Until the Season Finale)

November 24, 2014Kay Gardella Memorial TV Review BlogHomeland, Homeland Recaps, Homeland Season 4Marion

You can catch my complete Homeland episode recap today at Happy Nice Time People — your source on the web for all things television. As of this posting, it’s not up yet, so I’m giving you the general link.

BTW, I rewatched the scene where Saul gets his face washed twice, and contrary to what some other recappers may be telling you, I don’t think there was anything weird going on with his glasses. Sometimes a face wash, is just a face wash.

Also, note to US embassies: Please do something about your unguarded secret tunnels!

And finally, where the hell was Quinn, when the shit went down? He had ONE JOB — watching Carrie’s back. And why was Lockhart even there? Depend on Lockhart to make the exact worst call ever!

Anyone else wondering where Max and Fara are? I’m guessing honeymoon in Goa!

The Postman Always Rings Twice — Even in Mtsensk

November 23, 2014Idiots at the OperaLady MacBeth of Mtsensk review, Marion Stein, marionsteinMarion

Idiots at the Opera Go to Lady MacBeth of Mtsensk

Katerina a big blonde bombshell (sung by Eva-Marie Westbroek, the original Anna Nicole) is bored. Her wealthy merchant husband can’t give her a baby and neglects her for his business. Her father-in-law, Boris, is controlling, rude, and crude.

She starts screwing one of the workers, Sergei, who may have been fired from a previous job for sleeping with the boss’ wife. Then she poisons Boris. Her husband comes home from a business trip and finds Sergei’s belt in the bedroom. Katerina and Sergei kill him and hide his body.

Continue reading The Postman Always Rings Twice — Even in Mtsensk →

Walking a Cat in New York City

November 22, 2014New York Storiescat walking, cute cat videos, training your cat to walk on a leashMarion

Here is video evidence that we do this thing:

We are working on editing and putting together more footage.

It’s amazing how many people ask how I “trained” my cat to do this. Clearly, he trained me.

Holy Smokes — Met Opera Changes Rush Tix AGAIN!

November 20, 2014Idiots at the OperaMarion

This is just in, in my inbox that is! So now it looks like the Met Opera has given up on the rush lottery — due to “audience feedback”. Instead they are now going to release rush tix from the website only at noon (most days) on a first come first serve basis on the day of the performance. Info on the new system here.

I was NO fan of the rush lottery introduced in September. Only time will tell if this will work better OR TOTALLY CRASH THE SYSTEM.

11/21 update: You can go to my “how-to-get-cheap-seat” post, which now includes the low-down Rush 2.2.