(Attended 06/18/2024 TU @ 7:30pm): I was as polite as possible when I finally met this opera house!
I recently checked another item off my travel bucket list by attending an event or performance at The Metropolitan Opera House. I was truly fascinated by the many world-renowned arenas, houses, stadiums, etc., that staged live events and theatrical performances, and "The Met" was one I thought would be easily achieved sooner than later. The Metropolitan Opera was founded in 1883, with its first opera house built on Broadway and 39th Street by a group of wealthy businessmen who wanted their own theatre. Years later, as part of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Wallace K. Harris designed the current theatre that opened in 1966. Since then, it became a vibrant home for the most creative and talented choreographers, conductors, composers, dancers, designers, musicians, singers, stage directors, and visual artists from around the world. The theatre was the largest repertory opera house in the world with 3,800 seats, was home to the Metropolitan Opera Company and hosted the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) during the summer. Were my expectations of this opera house met!?
PURCHASE
Tickets/Seats ($205.00 x2): Located in the Parterre Rear Level Section 21 Seats 7 & 8, these were in the 2nd level above the orchestra, the 2nd of three rows within the section, provided excellent sight lines that were just off stage right, and comfortable individual seats. Honestly, there were no bad areas in the house unless you were in the far wings, and the only obstruction would be if someone sat in front of you (or in our case, an annoying young woman who kept moving side-to-side). https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=0wOp00X5uHw6SBCfiAP3pQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Ticket Service Fee ($5.00): This was unimaginably low and greatly appreciated!
Lanson Brut Le Rosé Champagne 4floz Glass ($26.00 x2): Pink color, roses strawberry aroma, low body, fruity strawberry flavor, crisp effervescent finish, and slightly dry strawberry aftertaste - a nice bubbly! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=sa_AeGYu8mqW9UJMlJ9xgw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
THE PERFORMANCE
This was the opening night of both American Ballet Theatre's (ABT) 2024 Summer Season and the performance of "Onegin", a three-acts six-scenes ballet with a 139-minutes running time. The story was easy to follow, the pace was nice, I loved the music, and the dancing was phenomenal. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=LhqUDB758zz3L87SWWkd2Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
The online ticket purchase was seamless, the check-in line inside the venue went swiftly, there was no line when we bought our champagne, and security was chill. One cool thing to point out was a unique system of real-time translation called "Met Titles", which appeared on individual scenes mounted on the back of each row of seats for those members of the audience who wish to utilize them, but with minimum distraction for those those who do not; titles are provided to all performances in English, Spanish, and German, and are also provided in Italian for Italian-language operas. Everything was easy-peasy!
PARKING
(Varied; N/A this instance): We took a Lyft there ($49.00) and a bus back ($2.50 x2). Otherwise, located underneath Lincoln Center was the public 24-hours self-parking Lincoln Center "park and lock" Plaza Parking Garage, with varied rates ($28.00 - $63.00). Buses and subways were cheaper and efficient options.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
At roughly 3,800 capacity, my immediate impression was a dated smaller Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, with its use of chandeliers throughout. There were several bar locations to get your drink on with short lines, special areas for members only and such, and the requisite souvenir shop. Plenty of natural lighting shone through the large tall glass windows and doors into the lobby, while the aforementioned eclectic ceiling chandeliers lit up the rest. I didn't notice any monitors nor any background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=327U3ORvTcWHBfBshi5r_A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
In general, it was a business affair with a suit, tie, and dress shoes. However, I jealously observed many men casually dressed in my favorable t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops - dammit!
OVERALL
I loved The Metropolitan Opera House and would love to see an actual opera next. It was cool to finally experience a performance here. The sound quality was very good, and everyone should try and support the arts. They also offered 75-minute tours ($25.00-$35.00) if you were interested. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $467.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tips). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 5.0 STARS read more