Eventchaser and RazorGator gave Eddy and me the opportunity to expand our horizons and see the wonder of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.
Metropolitan Opera tickets are now on sale at RazorGator.
Every year, the Metropolitan puts forth a terrific lineup with opera classics and new opera favorites, but during the holiday season they put together a special presentation that the whole family can enjoy.
For the 2009 holiday season, the opera house brought to life the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Hansel and Gretel (played by Miah Persson and Angelika Kirchschlager) — two siblings who get lost in some wicked woods and are captured by an evil child-eating witch. The show runs for approximately 2 hrs and 15 minutes. The Opera is sung in English but the opera house has subtitles in English, Spanish and German.
I have been to the Metropolitan opera house for several fantastic operas but never for the holiday special and I was pleasantly surprised. The family holiday show really is a production for the family. The songs, storyline, costumes and stage are more whimsical and bring to life the fairy tale that is Hansel and Gretel. All the actors were very talented but Philip Langridge shines as the Witch. Metropolitan Opera House is a beautiful building that has an old time feel with no bad seat because of the set up of the stage.
Unfortunately the holiday show has ended, but the opera house is currently presenting Carmen and Turandot. If you are not in the New York City area, the opera house has fantastic programs on Sirius XM and Live in HD so you can experience the wonders of the opera from anywhere.
The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center Information
Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, between West 62nd and 65th Streets and Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues.
Directions
Since this is NYC, I would highly recommend you take public transportation to get to the Met.
Subway: Take the No. 1 train to 66th Street (Lincoln Center) Station.
Bus: Take the M5, M7, M10, M11, M20, M66, M104 or BxM2 lines.
Lincoln Center is under construction so if you are driving in check the Lincoln Center website for general information. You may call Lincoln Center’s customer service at 212-546-2656 for more details.
Parking: The Lincoln Center “park and lock” parking garage is located underneath Lincoln Center. It is open to the public 24 hours a day. The entrances are on West 65th Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues) and West 62nd Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues). For more information, please call 1-877-909-PARK. To make parking reservations within three weeks of a performance date, call Center charge at 212-721-6500.
Miscellaneous Tips
- For evening performances people dress up. I am not saying run out for a ball gown or tux, but black slacks and a nice top will ensure that you won’t feel silly. Matinee performances are a mixed bag. Some were in dress clothes while some were in jeans.
- The theater and parking is wheelchair accessible.
- On matinee days, the Grand Tier Restaurant will be open for post-performance lunch.
- Grand Tier Restaurant not open? Luckily you are in New York City where within walking distance you will find Italian, Chinese, Japanese, American etc.
- Hotels and accommodations? Check out your favorite travel site to find the best hotel for your needs. But be prepared, most “starred” hotels start around $300 a night.
No picture taking is allowed at the Opera House. Eddy and I were scolded for taking the above pictures but anything for the Eventchaser cause!
If you love the arts and theater, pick up your opera tickets today for an experience that brings the art of music to life.
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