The Metropolitan Opera’s production of Puccini’s “Turandot” is known for its lavish and intricate set design, which includes an imperial palace, a glittering throne room, and expansive gardens.
However, on Wednesday evening, audience members were disappointed as a jam in the Met’s main lift backstage forced the company to put on a semi-staged version at the last minute. The cast and chorus had to sing from an improvised set instead.
Peter Gelb, the Met’s general manager, addressed the audience before the show to explain the situation, apologizing for the lack of scenery but assuring them that the show would go on.
Despite the option of a refund for those who wanted to leave, most audience members stayed and showed their support with a hearty applause when the conductor, Oksana Lyniv, entered the pit.
Gelb explained in an interview that a machinery malfunction occurred while setting up for “Turandot” after a rehearsal for Puccini’s “La Rondine.” Crew members tried to free the lift without success, leading to a decision to proceed with a simplified version of the show.
A piece of scenery from the opera was used as a backdrop, and the performance was limited to a small portion of the stage. Gelb tried to boost the singers’ spirits by highlighting the intimacy of the setting.
Technical mishaps are rare at the Met, with historical incidents like a turntable malfunction or set problem. Gelb expressed confidence that things would be back to normal for the next performance.
Gelb anticipated a return to normalcy for the next performance of Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino” on Thursday.
He emphasized the urgency of resolving the lift issue as soon as possible after the show ended.
