Ah the memories!! The star of the Zeffirelli La Boheme at the Met is the set especially the second act set but Neblett’s Musetta stole the show seemingly every time.
For reasons I can’t remember, I was backstage for one of her Toscas. Her Scarpia was the aging Sherill Milnes. During her impassioned Viste dArte Neblett inadvertently stepped backward moving the chair at the table back a few crucial inches. Upon stabbing her Scarpia, Milnes slumped in that chair which on cue tipped backward. Unfortunately those crucial inches put Milnes head in contact with the campaign cot stationed behind it. Later backstage I got to watch the angry tongue lashing Diva Neblett got from an angry Mrs.
Milnes.
Soon after her obit appeared, The Met channel on SeriusXM rebroadcast one of her Toscas. I’d forgotten what an electrifying performer she could be. She was sometimes beset by demons but when she wasn’t she was wonderful.
Requiesce in pace Diva Neblett.