The Metropolitan Opera is positioning their September 25 opening night gala as a celebrity event, complete with red carpet arrivals. The performance of “Madama Butterfly” will be simulcast on a jumbo screen in Times Square with 650 cushioned seats (plus standing room) and giant speakers provided. These publicity stunts are part of new general manager Peter Gelb’s plan to show that “the Met is interested in being part of mainstream society and contemporary culture.” An open house including a rehearsal is scheduled for the 22nd. To extend its reach beyond local audiences, the Met has partnered with various media companies to broadcast performances in movie theatres and on the web. Their more traditional radio and PBS TV broadcasts will of course continue. (NY Times article)