For all the lumps Peter Gelb and the Met have been taking this season – from myself and others – there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel, courtesy of this blast from Tony and the Times. Apparently, Gelb summoned Tony to his office last month – like some kind of Doge to his palace – wanting to clear the air. For the record, Gelb is still delusional about the Ring cycles kicking off this week, convinced that, "Robert LePage may be the first director to execute what Wagner actually wanted to see onstage.” (Funny, I didn't know Wagner had a thing for 90,000 pound planks.) And, his penchant for micromanagement – really just an extension of his overblown ego – was on full, condescending display. “I’m the director of productions," he told Tony. "I hope you’ll accept that.”
But, why harp on the small stuff when there's so much to look forward to? In 2015, the brilliant artist William Kentridge returns to direct a new production of Berg's Lulu. In 2016, a new production of Tristan and Isolde arrives, to be conducted by Simon Rattle. And, in 2017, Messiaen's Saint Francois d'Assise will finally – finally – have it's Met debut. Which, as it stands, will also be the New York premiere – unless the NY Phil has something to say about it.
