La Fanciulla del West

About this experience

Book La Fanciulla del West tickets for the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, where Puccini's Wild West drama opens on New Year's Eve 2026 in Richard Jones's new production, the Met's first new staging of the opera in more than 30 years. Vida Miknevičiūtė makes her Met debut as Minnie, the tough saloon owner with a heart of gold, opposite SeokJong Baek as the bandit Dick Johnson and Christopher Maltman as Sheriff Jack Rance, with Keri-Lynn Wilson conducting. Nine performances run from 31 December 2026 to 30 January 2027. La Fanciulla del West: the story In a California mining camp during the Gold Rush of 1849 to 1850, Minnie runs the Polka saloon, keeps the miners' gold safe and teaches them to read. The sheriff, Jack Rance, wants to marry her. Then a stranger called Dick Johnson walks in, and Minnie falls for him, not knowing he is the wanted bandit Ramerrez. When Rance hunts him down, Minnie gambles everything to save him in one of opera's most famous poker games. The opera is based on David Belasco's play The Girl of the Golden West, and it had its world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera itself in 1910. La Fanciulla del West cast and production at the Met Vida Miknevičiūtė sings Minnie at every performance, with SeokJong Baek as Dick Johnson and Christopher Maltman as Jack Rance. Keri-Lynn Wilson conducts. British director Richard Jones stages the new production, with sets by Miriam Buether and costumes by Nicky Gillibrand; it was first created by English National Opera and The Santa Fe Opera. Expect a sharp, cinematic take on the Western, and Puccini's richest, most colourful orchestral writing. La Fanciulla del West dates, running time and language The opera opens on 31 December 2026 at 6:30pm and plays on 5, 8, 13, 16, 19, 23, 27 and 30 January 2027. Most evening shows start between 7pm and 8pm, and 23 January is a 1pm matinee. The 19 and 23 January performances are filmed for the Met's Live in HD cinema series. The Met estimates 3 hours, with Act I (65 minutes), one 35-minute intermission, then Acts II and III together (80 minutes). It is sung in Italian, with Met Titles in English, German, Spanish or Italian. The Met suggests it for ages 10 and up; the production uses gunshot effects. Best seats and booking La Fanciulla del West tickets The New Year's Eve opening is a special night, so book early if you want to see out 2026 at the Met. Orchestra seats are closest to the drama of the poker scene, and Grand Tier and Dress Circle centre seats give the best view of the whole staging. Balcony and Family Circle are the best value. See our Metropolitan Opera House seating guide. La Fanciulla del West tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled once booked. Plan your La Fanciulla del West night The opera plays the Metropolitan Opera House at 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, next to the 66 St-Lincoln Center subway station. The 6:30pm New Year's Eve start leaves time to celebrate afterwards; see our Christmas and New Year at the Met guide. Read our La Fanciulla del West guide for more on the music. In January you can also book Tosca tickets and Otello tickets, or browse all Metropolitan Opera tickets.

Highlights

• The Met's first new production of the opera in more than 30 years
• Opens on New Year's Eve 2026 at 6:30pm
• Vida Miknevičiūtė makes her Met debut as Minnie
• SeokJong Baek and Christopher Maltman, Keri-Lynn Wilson conducting
• Puccini's Gold Rush Western, first performed at the Met in 1910

Before you go

Venue Metropolitan Opera House, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023 Dates 31 December 2026 to 30 January 2027 (nine performances) Language Sung in Italian. Met Titles seat-back screens show translations in English, German, Spanish or Italian Estimated running time 3 hours, with one intermission Arrival The house opens 45 minutes before curtain. Latecomers are seated only at an intermission Casting Met productions play in repertory and casting can change Age guidance Suggested for ages 10+. The production uses gunshot effects Getting there 66 St-Lincoln Center station (1 train) is next to Lincoln Center Plaza

Cancellation terms

These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.