The Glass Cage, a play by J. B. Priestley. The Mint Theater Company. As befits a name like the "Mint" this company is usually money in the bank when it comes to mounting quality revivals of obscure plays. "The Glass Cage" is a superb late work by Priestley and the second we've seen by him at the Mint. There are starrier casts in New York right now, but likely none operating at a higher level than this well honed ensemble led by the three "strange" McBane cousins played by Aaron Krohn, Saxon Palmer and most especially the very lovely, scintillating and intense Jeanne Serralles. The play is a tense and moving period piece about growth, redemption and reparation and is beautifully written by the great Priestley. This is one of the best productions we've seen at the Mint. Broadway Bridge and Tunnel Test grade - B+

Don Giovanni, an opera by Mozart at the Metropolitan Opera House. Starring Erwin Schrott, Susan Graham, Mathew Polenzani, Krasimira Stoyanova, Ildebrando D'Arcangelo, Isabel Leonard, conducted by Louis Langree. Don Giovanni is one of the masterworks of Western civilization, but though performances of it are rather common and more often than not on a high level, it's very rare to find a performance of such exalted caliber. For one thing, this was an uncommonly well balanced cast with not a weak link in it. The conducting by Louis Langree was focused and powerful. No Don Giovanni performance can succeed without a great Don and in Erwin Schrott, the Metropolitan has the finest to essay this role since the legendary Cesare Siepi. Schrott, a genuine hunk, has a silken smooth and strong baritone voice that carried through the house with ease. Schrott acts the role to perfection and his "La ci darem la mano" with Isabel Leonard was the sexiest I've ever seen in this duet of seduction. Isabel Leonard was totally believable as the minx Zerlina, Krasimira Stoyanova sang with a laser-like intensity as Donna Anna and the great Susan Graham has added another leaf to her laurel wreath. As for Matthew Polenzani, he is the finest Don Ottavio I've seen even including my first - Fritz Wunderlich. Outstanding work from Ildebrando D'Arcangelo who was mellifluous and funny as Leporello. Bravo! A+