L.A. FESTIVAL

I saw “La Cenerentola” and I have to disagree with Martin Bernheimer’s review (“A Gimmicky ‘La Cenerentola,’ ” Sept. 21).

He did not like the silly goings-on on stage during the overture. On the contrary, I think it’s great to have the curtain up during the overture. It should become mandatory for any opera production in Los Angeles. The majority of L.A. theatergoers seem to be totally oblivious to anything but their own chatter until the curtain is raised. An overture is just background music.

Just think, Mr. Bernheimer, if the rest of the audience is kept busy looking at the stage, you and I can close our eyes and actually hear all of the music. And if the conductor would give the audience time to applaud the set before he raises his baton, we could even hear the opening bars of the first act.

What bliss!

KARIN E. SCHWAB

Los Angeles