Demise of an Opera Company

Sadly, Opera Boston - which performed at the beautiful Cutler Majestic Theater will shutter its doors in the New Year.
It was where I heard friend Barbara Quintiliani, soprano, sing a stunning Donizetti's Maria Padilla last spring.

Opera Boston - in the acoustically glorious theater (see photo above) was not afraid to mount unusual; new ones, such as “Madame White Snake” from the composer Zhou Long with friend Ying Huang Soprano, in the title role;  or rarely seen works; and to offer young, emerging singers a chance to tread the boards while singing a rare repertory. Sometimes in company with noted singers who opted to appear there just because. 

The stunning and sad news came out of the blue. As I had already pencilled in my calendar the dates of its performances of I Capuleti e i Montecchi by Bellini with friend Mezzosoprano Marie Lenormand -

scheduled for April 27, 2012 at 7:30 pm, April 29, 2012 at 3:00 pm, May 1, 2012 at 7:30 pm.
My first reaction was. Oh S...!
My second was what the heck?  And Why?
Monetary reasons were given.

And that begs the question in my mind, is MET live at the movies the culprit?
It is just so much easier to drive up, buy a 25$ ticket without a lot of hassle and free parking.
Why go and buy a nice subscription even if you can afford it, or - God forbid - donate money to your local opera company, when opera comes to you in glorious HD colors and with such close ups, you can see hairs vibrate! Or Adam's apples jiggle, or other things, all right there in front of you. Plus the showing of the hows and whys behind the curtains. Everything is shown, almost nothing is left veiled ...
Where does that leave the mystery, the wonder of seeing 'stage magic'?
Which was so much part of the enjoyment of LIVE in the Theater performances.
And still is, to me!
Has opera become just another 'reality show'?
And you can go and get popcorn and cokes to pass the time.
Flop around in your grungies!
Running late, no problem it's at the movies and one can come and go at will!
Although,
they do suggest to viewers in the cinema "go and support your local opera company".
Which small opera company in what town will be next?
It's like the Grinch just stole MY Christmas.
It really, really sucks big time!
Damn!
And I hate to swear!