Photo by Ken Howard/The Metropolitan Opera
The current production of Boito's opera in the War Memorial will go from San Francisco to the Metropolitan Opera in 2015 and 2017, and — according to a press release — "there are no future plans at this time to remount it in San Francisco."
Considering how expensive this production is — six principals, 90 choristers, 30 children choristers, 12 dancers, 45 supernumeraries, 66 musicians in the pit, a dozen around the house — it's small wonder. Remaining performances are Sept. 29, and Oct. 2. After that, head to New York to see it.
On the other hand, there is good news about SFO's upcoming Falstaff, with Bryn Terfel in the title role:
It will be simulcast in HD to Stanford University’s outdoor Frost Amphitheater, beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. Advance registration for free tickets is available from San Francisco Opera.
But look out: "To provide for everyone’s viewing comfort" (except yours), "lawn chairs, large coolers, strollers, wagons, umbrellas, barbecue grills, and pets are not permitted, and all items are subject to search." Wagons?
The simulcast is made possible by presenting sponsors Tad & Dianne Taube and the Koret Foundation. As to a similar event in San Francisco, sorry, not this time.