Rush to the Met--Opera that is

In the interests of full disclosure, let me state right here and now that we are long-time opera fans (note its parent word fanatic) and at some little trouble over the years have managed to retain a subscription to the Met. There simply is no bigger, better show in town.

(Aida-Source: redoubtreporter.wordpress.com

 As retirees, however, we have moved to the cheaper mid-week subscription, reduced the number we buy, and looked for ways to save. Some of these ways, pioneered by newly-entranced opera friends, are explored here. While the Met hasn't given us all the info we need yet, I thought I would just let you know what they're going to have so you can start preparing your strategy.


First, an Alert: The Met will broadcast the September 23 opening night performance of Eugene Onegin at 6:30 pm live on screens in Times Square and on Lincoln Center’s Plaza. Tickets are free but required. Stay tuned for more info on this. You sit in comfortable chairs outdoors surrounded by your fellow opera buffs.

 (Lincoln Center Plaza-Source: glenwoodnyc.com)


Here is my source for the following info on Rush seats: www.metoperafamily.org/en/news-and-features1/press-releases/releases/2013-14-Season-Announcement


For the eighth season, 200 Rush Orchestra seats will be made available for $20 for each regular Monday through Thursday performance, excluding galas and the opening nights of new productions. Fifty of these tickets are set aside for senior citizens.

(Turandot-Source: www.pathe.nl

 General public: Rush Tickets can be purchased at the Met box office beginning two hours before curtain, subject to availability.

Senior citizens (65 and over) can reserve their tickets beginning at 10 am on the day of performance by visiting a website I don't have yet but will publish as soon as it is announced or by calling 212-362-6000.

Weekday Rush tickets are available only via the Met website or by phone This offer is restricted to two per order, and proof of age is required when tickets are picked up at the box office.

(The Nose-Source: www.opera-britannia.com)
 

For Friday and Saturday performances, Orchestra and Grand Tier $25 Rush Tickets are offered through a weekly online drawing on the Met website. The tickets, in prime seating locations, are available for all weekend performances, excepting galas and the opening nights of new productions. Considering that these tickets normally sell for upwards of $200 each, this qualifies as a good deal.

(Source: en.wikipedia.org)


The Met will also continue its Open Rehearsal program, which provides free dress rehearsal tickets to both students and members of the general public. The Open Rehearsals for the 2013-14 season will be announced at a later date.

Ten of the new season’s more than 200 performances will be transmitted live around the world as part of the popular Met: Live in HD series of movie theater simulcasts. NB: these are fun but IMHO don't take the place of live performances. They're good in addition to your basic opera needs and at $20 per ticket, the price is right. See: www.metoperafamily.org/en/news-and-features1/press-releases/releases/2013-14-Live-in-HD

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