Metropolitan Opera’s Valhalla Machine for Das Rheingold Disappoints

The Metropolitan Opera opened its season last week with Das Rheingold, the premier of a new production of Wagner’s “Ring” cycle. This new “Ring” is directed by Robert Lepage who conceived a 45-ton machine with vertical planks that swivel to form various stage configurations. It’s a clever and versatile mechanical invention, but the resulting visual effect, and other aspects of the production, are a disappointment.