Run do not walk to see "Champion" at the Met Opera before it closes on May 13th! This is an amazing production with all the elements you want from opera - a powerful human story, superb performances by Eric Owens, Ryan Speedo Green, and many others, compelling script and music, spectacular costumes and fantastic choreography. Don't pay attention to the boring nay-sayers who cannot see the tremendous potential for the future of opera - it is here, in "Champion", accessible to all!

As Peter Gelb commits the MET to a parade of lackluster contemporary opera for the forseeable future (hopefully a short future) we have champion---a well-prepared "musical-play experience" that is no where close to an OPERA. That the well-meaning vocal lines do not fit the protagonists, and the orchestra overpowers the performers, we have no worries, because this is the new direction of the MET. Despite some good invidual performances, this is a failure as an opera and indicative of more to come from Peter Gelb, who has met with many of our favorite classical singers trying to sell the concept of new pieces that will soon be forgotten. Thankfully, many of them have said "no" to his invitations, but none of his efforts seem to be in the best interests of the MET we have known for so many years!

Maria Callas and all the famous opera singers would roll over in their grave if they knew they performed at the very same stage. Voice of the lead singer (mother) was so quiet, people could hardly hear her most of the time. While the little boy was cute- he was totally out of tune. And the Champion itself was likely auditioned based on his looks rather than his voice as well. The story was dull and besides a small little Jazz part at the beginning there was nothing musical about this opera that would be worth remembering. The whole episode reminded more a show off-broadway that needs to mature. Seems the Met is compromising its standards as the most famous Opera House worldwide for equity.