An ‘Interview’ with a Donkey Named Wanda Who Performs in ‘La Bohème’ at the Metropolitan Opera
Sarah Larson of The New Yorker went backstage at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City to conduct a “Talk of the Town” interview with a donkey named Wanda, who plays a pivotal role in a scene of Puccini‘s classic opera “La Bohème”.
“La Bohème” is about tragic Bohemian lovers in 1830s Paris, but for a few glorious minutes in Act Two, it’s also about a toy seller and his donkey. She doesn’t sing, and she’s not what we in the biz call a good talker, but she has plenty of “je ne sais quoi”. Tonight, we’ll follow along with Wanda as she gets ready for her big performance.
Wanda has pulled Parpignol’s toy cart at the Met since 2022, when she took over the part from Sir Gabriel, a donkey who had played it for 16 seasons.
While Wanda didn’t have much to say, her agent, Nancy Novograd of All Tame Animals, talked shop.
I represent all sorts of animals for movies, television, commercials, the opera, the ballet, special events. I got two calls for peacocks today.
Gregory Warren, who plays the toy seller Parpignol, said Wanda has a very distinct personality.
She’ll throw you a little shade every once in a while. Like, “I’m the star here, you’re waiting for me”.
Wanda doesn’t sing, but Monte, a rescued donkey in Texas, once serenaded his human in a beautiful baritone voice.
