I often try to explain Philadelphia to friends from my Los Angeles life, and it isn’t easy. What they especially don’t get is the odd mix of sophisticated big city culture and friendly small town vibes. Think of it as part Judy at Carnegie Hall and part Judy singing “Howdy, Neighbor” from her tractor.

For that reason alone—though there are many more—I’m going to send them to watch Bon Appétit!, a 50-minute streaming performance that airs this week free-of-charge on Opera Philadelphia’s channel.

The core of the program is a charming, light-hearted opera monodrama by composer Lee Hoiby that pictures Julia Child in one of her famous television cooking shows, preparing a signature chocolate cake recipe. Seen here, with mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton in sensational form, it’s a delight. I’ll say more about that in a minute…

Click here to read the full post at Parterre Box.