La Boheme, an opera by Puccini at the Metropolitan Opera House, starring Piotr Beczala and Anna Netrebko. Last night, in a remarkable display of star power, the Metropolitan Opera was packed with eager fans even during one of the worst storms in recent memory. Standing outside in the pouring rain and howling winds were desperate fans wearing placards begging for tickets. The performance inside did not disappoint. Beautiful Anna Netrebko, who started out as a lyric coloratura has bloomed into a full spinto soprano verging on the dramatic. Her big gorgeous voice filled the opera house with ease. Matching her note for note was the splendid tenor Piotr Beczala giving a performance as Rodolfo that brought back memories of Corelli, Carreras and Pavarotti. Making her first appearance this season as Musetta was an old house favorite Ruth Ann Swenson who got a huge ovation for Musetta's Waltz. The rest of the cast was solid. The conducting by Marco Armiliato was routine at best, sometimes the music dragged outright which is a sin in Puccini. Nonetheless, the singers had their way and their way was glorious. Broadway Bridge and Tunnel Test Grade B+