Classic 'Tosca'

So The Metropolitan Opera is thinking of reviving the Franco Zeffirelli "Tosca," eh? (It would run concurrently with the less-than-appreciated new Luc Bondy production. Of course.)

You'll recall that the Bondy production, seen recently on PBS, was roundly booed on opening night for obviating the religious rituals integral to the title character and generally employing a cerebral approach antithetical to Tosca's impulsive nature. (I'm sorry but people just don't sit around after they've murdered someone, unless they're nuts or characters in an Edgar Allan Poe story.)

Then there were the sets — more Mussolini than Napoleon — although the costumes retained their Empire period. The whole thing made no sense, whereas the Zeffirelli production had passion and the architectural richness of the opera's neoclassical Roman setting.

This reminds me of one of my favorite stories, the tale of New and Classic Coke. Remember that one? We Coca-Cola lovers were all going to throw over crisp Classic Coke for sweeter, less zippy New Coke, much as we trade in people we love for new people we don't. (I wonder if the marketing genius behind this was ever fired.)

Anyway, it didn't happen. I don't drink much soda — calories, sugar, etc. But on Christmas I'm going to toast Zeffirelli's "Tosca" with a glass of Classic Coke.

You can't improve on a classic.

This reminds