Lessons from Verdi

Now playing at the Washington National Opera, Un Ballo en Maschera. Lessons learned, which are mutually exclusive. (1) If you're going to pay the price of cheating on your partner, perhaps you should really cheat; downside, of course, is you would lose your tragic stature. (2) If you're angry, try not to kill anyone, because it's irreversible when you later regret your action; again, loss of tragic stature, but upside is the potential for romantic comedy. Rossini,anyone? (3) Witches' advice can't be trusted; corollary, witches' advice can't be trusted especially after you have insulted the witch. (4) Pages in chic grey suits can't be trusted, especially with your wardrobe secrets.