Met Opera in HD: Turandot

Have some popcorn with your Puccini... "Vin-cer-o!" If you ever heard Pavarotti proclaim the last word of his theme-song aria "Nessun dorma," you've heard one of the big moments from Puccini's Turandot (note: that's "too-rahn-DOTE," with the "T!"), now, you have the chance to see the whole opera in the comfort of your local multiplex. Outside the Imperial Palace in Peking, a mandarin reads an edict to the crowd: any prince seeking to marry the princess Turandot must answer three riddles. If he fails, he will die. The most recent suitor, the Prince of Persia, is to be executed at the moonÂÂ's rising... When the Prince of Persia is led to his execution, the crowd calls upon the princess to spare him. Turandot appears, and with a contemptuous gesture orders that the execution proceed. As the victimÂÂ's death cry is heard from the distance, Calàf, transfixed by the beauty of the unattainable princess, strides to the gong that announces a new suitor. Thus begins Puccini's fanciful tale of ancient China, sung, of course, completely in Italian! (The broadcast includes subtitles, so everyone can follow along.) We'll convene for the Met's encore HD show at the San Mateo Century 12-plex, on B St. between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. Tickets are $22, and are available at the box office, or online from Fandango. Since the show will take the whole evening (about 3 1/2 hours, including two intermissions), we'll meet early (5:30 PM) for big bowls of ramen at: Himawari Ramen(click the name for a map) (202 2nd Avenue, on 2nd. Ave. between B St. and S. Ellsworth, about 1 1/2 blocks from the theater), then walk over for the show. This isn't your "normal" event, but hope you'll take a chance -- you might find you actually enjoy it! For a complete synopsis of Turandot, including a guide to all the big arias in each act, check out: the Met's Turandot synopsis page.