From cholera to paranoid schizophrenia, from Huntington's disease to clinical depression, seemingly incurable maladies were discovered to lie at the heart of each family's darkest secrets.

If the past six months proved anything about the battle between the sexes, it was that many men have absolutely no idea how women think or feel. And although show business is often cited as an indicator of cultural progress, sometimes it sends mixed messages.

This fall the San Francisco Opera revived its 1997 production of Rigoletto. Featuring Michael Yeargan's handsome sets (inspired by Giorgio de Chirico) and Constance Hoffman's impressive period costumes, the opera has been double cast to gain maximum stage time.

Still in his thirties, a lion-hearted Leo, Vratogna is that rare breed of natural dramatic baritone who owns the vocal prowess and seductive appeal of the alpha male so predominant in the Verdi repertoire.

As someone who enjoys wordplay, I have always been partial to the following moment at the end of Act I of Stephen Sondheim's 1979 musical thriller entitled Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Although I attended the 1987 world premiere of Nixon in China (and saw subsequent performances in 1988 and 1990), last month marked the first time I had seen Nixon in China in 22 years. A lot has happened in the interim.

The San Francisco Bay area has such a vibrant arts community that prioritizing events can become a mind-numbing exercise. Here is a slideshow of the 11 most thrilling events I attended in 2011.

The San Francisco Opera's company premiere of Xerxes included several instruments rarely heard in operatic ensembles: the arch lute, baroque guitar, and theorbo (a long-necked lute sometimes referred to as a chitarrone).

Today's audience can view opera broadcasts and theatrical events in their home or at the cinema. They can see the spit flying out of our mouths and the perspiration running down our cheeks. Our uvulas and dental work are on display for all to see.