MetOpera in HD

While we're on opera, one of the nice things about Generation O is that you can get great tickets for an opening night without forking over $350. Black tie is optional, but even if you leave your elbow-length gloves at home it makes for great people-watching. On the other hand, even the discounted ticket can seem steep if, like me, you tend to fall asleep within ten minutes of the lights going down, no matter what's on stage or screen. But for just $22 you can nap relatively guilt-free during the Metropolitan Opera's live high-definition broadcasts of selected operas in theaters around the country. The schedule for the rest of the season is here. Ballston Common airs the live performances, which are held on Saturday afternoons. Hoffman Center 22 near the Eisenhower Ave. Metro airs the live performances and an encore the next day at 3. They definitely call for snack packing- even the shortest tops three hours and most have two intermissions. If you're new to opera, Puccini's La Boheme (April 5, 1:30-4:50) is a touching classic, if a little bit of a downer. If you're daring enough to brave Wagner's major downer Tristan und Isolde (March 22, 12:30-6:05)...bring a pillow.