Earlier tonight in Paris, at Opera Bastille, where Natalie Dessay was supposed to be singing "Sonnambula", a woman came on stage shortly before showtime and informed the public that La Nata was unwell, but that she'd sing anyway. The first Act was, apparently, OK, even if one could tell that Dessay was not in top shape, but just before Act 2, the woman came out again and said that Dessay could not go on singing, and they just canceled the rest of the show.
Members of the audience were of course shocked that they had no understudy to cover for her -- vive la difference!
(thanks to C.)
~**UPDATE February 19, 2010, 2:55 PM Milan Time**~
Opera Chic's gorgeously Parisian, Dessay-loving friends called Opéra Bastille this morning to inquire about ticket policy, and were told that there would be no refunds or exchanges made to any tickets of last night's La Sonnambula. House policy states that when half of the show is performed, they are under no obligation to compensate their patrons.
~**UPDATE February 19, 2010, 8:45 PM Milan Time**~
Thanks to reader Xalira -- the folks over at the Opéra have listened to the people, and now they're at least giving out discounts to the unlucky ticket holders of the Sonnambula Interrupta.