The shape of things to come

All right, it may be hard to tell but this is a photo from a Paris Opera production (staged at the Théâtre des Amandiers in Nanterre) of Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro. Look on the right of this pic: Could this be the butchest Cherubino, like, ever? Click and scroll down for a video excerpt in which Christine Schäfer—for this is she—seriously toughs it up. I'd venture to say the hottt Ms. Schäfer could even convert attendees of the Michigan Womyn's Festival to opera. (I have to admit that I hadn't recognized her at first, even though I saw her in the flesh two months ago in Hansel & Gretel—and she didn't play the boy.)

Incidentally, the production is staged by Swiss director Christoph Marthaler, a frequent acolyte of Paris Opera director Gérard Mortier. Mortier is moving to New York next season: Does it mean we can expect some Marthaler action in town? Expect some squeaking from both the peanut gallery and our local critics.