If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to spend less time on devices and get more “cultured,” the Metropolitan Opera is here to help—even if you don’t find yourself in New York City.
On Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET in select theaters, it will premiere a special “Live in HD” presentation of its recent production, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay.
Let’s take a look at the plot and the artists involved, before we get into more details on the logistics of how to see it.
What is ‘The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay’ about?
Although this work is considered a modern opera, the action in The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay takes place during World War II. Two Jewish cousins work together to create an anti-fascist superhero, the “Escapist.” They hope the comic book adventures they write inspire others to fight against Nazism.
The three distinct settings where the plot unfolds allow the audience to experience New York City, Prague, and a comic book reality.
Who wrote ‘The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay’?
The opera The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay is based on a book of the same name, written by Michael Chabon. This critically acclaimed historical fiction novel was a New York Times bestseller and a 2001 Pulitzer Prize winner. That means if you made a reading goal for 2026, seeing this opera almost counts toward it.
Adapting it for the stage was no easy feat, but Gene Scheer tackled the libretto while Mason Bates composed the score. It is not your grandma’s opera, as one of the genres Bates works in is electronic dance music.
Bartlett Sher helmed the production, with sets designed by 59 Studio. The costumes were designed by Jennifer Moeller and choreography was created by Mandy Moore.
What did critics think of ‘The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay’?
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay’s original run took place from September 21 through October 11, 2025. The performance that will be presented on January 24 was actually recorded on October 2, 2025.
The opera received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised the strong set design, visuals, and performances. However, some reviewers believed the libretto and compositions were lacking in depth.
TheatreMania’s David Gordon mused: “Kavalier & Clay feels unlike anything I’ve ever seen at this storied old palace. Cinematic in scope, fast paced in its delivery, and propelled by a digestibility that you don’t often get in the world of opera, it’s a perfect introduction for new audiences who are looking to test the waters of opera or want an interesting date night.”
Opera Wire’s David Salazar called the production Sher’s “finest opera production to date.” He goes on to say that “the use of new technology has never been more polished or enticing in any opera the Met has produced thus far.”
Some other critics were not afraid to give notes, such as Edward Sava-Segal from Bachtrack. To him, it was “a production of extraordinary visual invention strapped to a score that seldom ventures beyond the predictable. As an event it impresses; as a new cornerstone for the repertory, it falls short.” In other words, he enjoyed the production but not the new work itself.
Vulture’s Justin Davidson agreed with Sava-Segal’s statement. Additionally, he praised mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce’s work as Rosa and baritone Andrzej Filończyk’s turn as Joe Kavalier.
How to catch ‘The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay’ in theaters
To form your own opinion on the production, all you have to do is buy a ticket and enjoy the show.
The Met has created a handy “find a theater” tool here, available on its website, to see where this event is happening.