Having read less than laudatory reviews by NY Times Anthony Tomassini and others, I was very pleasantly surprised by this performance. I loved it! Plácido Domingo's portrayal and acting were superb! As far as his singing, I am not technically knowledgeable enough to critique, but for me his acting more than compensated for any inadequacies. Bravo to the entire cast!
I did find one thing disconcerting: Plácido as the father of Maria/Amelia looked older than James Morris, who sang the role of her grandfather.
PS I think the camera caught James Levine nodding off at the podium just as the curtain went up after the intermission following the Prologue!
This was an excellent production in every way: the conductor (Edo de Waart), the sets, the costumes and the performers. Renée Fleming and Susan Graham gave stellar performances.
I felt sorry for the people wandering around to find an available seat. Some people arrive extremely early and save rows of seats. This is not fair! I don't understand why the performance cannot be shown simultaneously in 2 theatres in the same popular location, or, at a minimum, offer reserved seating.
I was very disappointed that I was unsuccessful in obtaining a ticket for next week's performance of "Carmen" in the 3 locations near my home. I am NOT interested in the encore performances.