The season’s first performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera” will be held on Saturday, the second night of the Jewish New Year, which may still keep more observant Jews from attending.
According to an opera spokesperson, Thursday was not an option for opening night because that would have required scheduling a rehearsal on Labor Day and paying staff triple overtime.
“I don’t find [Saturday’s opening] objectionable,” said Kahn. “We’re talking about a volunteer situation as opposed to kids missing school to observe the holiday.”