The Old Met

Before the curtain rose, I could hear commands being urgently whispered to various actors and groupings. Some of the lead actors, a huge chorus, and crowds of minor players shuffled passed me into formations on the stage. Most seemed to know exactly where and when to perform. For much of the time I found myself disoriented among the ceaseless turmoil. Novices were reminded not to sing, or even hum, during the opera itself. I, too, found my chalk marks on the stage floor.