Rigoletto

The key word for this Met revival is serviceable, applicable to Otto Schenk's production and two of the leads: Lado Ataneli in the title role and Francesco Meli as the randy Duke of Mantua. Casting the versatile Christine Schäfer as Gilda is an eccentric choice; perhaps debutant conductor Paolo Arrivabeni will live up to his name. At least you can rely upon Verdi's glorious score.