The #OperaTrash Podcast

Now that Anna's recovered from the 'rona, the ladies are back to talk about Donizetti's tale of ill-fated love, Lucia di Lammermoor. Anna and Krista saw Simon Stone's Met production, and they talk about how it shows how opera can be modern. They also get angy at Arena di Verona, congratulate Bruce Springsteen's entry into the Grandpa Club, cheer on Monet X Change and give kudos to the Royal Opera House. Also, quicksand is mentioned.

As Anna battles 'rona fatigue, she and Krista get back on track to talk about The Devils of Loudun, which has its own ties to the 'rona. They also update on Jonas (who has the 'rona again) and Rene Pape's bullshittery. This episode should be sponsored by Pfizer and Moderna.

Oh noes, Anna has The Rona! Since she's not feeling well, Krista decided to give you all a look back at what was, at that point, the worst opera they'd seen. Prokofiev snatched that title away from Thomas Ades, but The Exterminating Angel made them want to, to use the word of the day, scromit.

After Friday's SCOTUS ruling. Anna and Krista decided to use the podcast to show everyone that bodily autonomy isn't a new concept - there are operas that feature it prominently. From La Traviata and Turandot to Die Walküre and La Fanciulla del West, the ladies discuss 12 characters who take charge of their lives. May women in the US have that right again.

While Anna wraps up her duties at Sc-Fi Valley Con, the ladies present an oldie but goodie: their review of Cav & Pag, aka Sad Fucking Clown. C'mon, they would've anyway because Jonas opens as said sad fucking clown next month in London, so here's a primer, including Pagliacci Twitter jokes!

Happy podcast anniversary to Anna and Krista! For their special day, they cover Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar. Who was the best King Herod? Which is the best version? And what awesome 80's was born of this rock opera? These questions will be answered, and Krista reviews the infamous Tosca production.

Jacques Halevy's grand opera is the subject of this week's episode, and Anna and Krista rave about it. They also work in the usual shtick, and they give you an updates on that production of Tosca from Barcelona. And surprise - they actually agree with the OperaWire lady for once!

The ladies are back and ready to talk about a babby opera, Matthew Aucoin's Eurydice. This twist on the Orpheus myth is only two years old, but it embodies what modern opera should be. Bonus discussion of why Opera Mom and Dad (Aleksandra Kurzak and Roberto Alagna) withdrew from Barcelona's upcoming Tosca production and all about Sir Christopher Lee!

Jonas is wrapping up his run of Lohengrin Down Under, so we thought we'd look back on our review of Wagner's "Italian" opera. Yes kids, this is the episode where Krista destroys "Here Comes the Bride" for everyone. Now it's stuck in your head. You're welcome.

What do you get when you combine Jeff Dunham, Dame Joan Sutherland and Uno? You get this week's episode featuring Bellini's Norma! We even toss in a brief review of Jonas in Lohengrin! And no, there is absolutely NO infanticide in this opera.