The Met’s new Carmen loses its Don José

Hours before the opening of its big year-end show, the Metropolitan Opera had to call up an understudy.

The Polish tenor Piotr Beczala ruled himself out of opening night. He says: ‘It is with great regret that I share this news. Due to a high fever and cough, I won’t be able to perform in today’s premiere of “Carmen” at the Metropolitan Opera. I gave it my best, but unfortunately, virus got the upper hand, so now I’m focusing on getting better for the upcoming performances.’

His replacement is Rafael Davila (pictured), a Puerto Rican tenor who has been on the US circuit for the past dozen years. His friends say: ‘Nothing less than the Year-End Gala at the most important opera house in the world! While you are sharing with family, he is putting Puerto Rico’s name up high, so let’s give him a round of applause and share it so that more boricuas can feel proud!’

Stand by for the morning-after reviews.