For those familiar with Norse mythology, but unfamiliar with the work of Richard Wagner, there will probably be an eyebrow-arching moment while watching the Metropolitan Opera’s 2010 Robert Lepage production of Das Rheingold when Richard Croft as Loge the god of fire strides onto the stage. Loki wasn’t a god of fire. The effect is pretty cool. The fiery aura or “dancing nimbus” around Richard Croft is principally an interactive projection effect, not ordinary stage lighting.

I'm taking a break from watching the 2010 production of Das Rhinegold at the Met, and I had to say this. First off, I'm deeply enjoying this opera. So I don't want to detract from that. But every time Wotan turned towards the camera, I couldn't help but notice his golden Batman ab armor stretched across a stomach which has definitely not seen ab lines in many years. In noticing this, I accidentally stumbled across a HILARIOUS element of the critical response to this productio