It Ain't Over 'til the Fat Lady - Oh, OK.

I'm one of those uncultured Americans who can't appreciate opera. We're everywhere. We don't know our arias from a hole in the ground. We'd fall asleep at the opera. We don't understand it, aren't interested in understanding it and don't mind that you think we're idiots for not understanding it.

Not that I am averse to "the arts" as a whole. I like a good play, as long as it's not a musical. I can even stomach a little classical music. And I've been to the ballet. Twice. I will even listen to NPR when I have no choice.

So, don't color me sad that the Orlando Opera has hit the skids. And I don't think the city should be surprised nor should we wring our hands at the death of the Orlando Opera. Just the name is an oxymoron. Orlando has an opera? This is a joke, right?

The local wags and nobs think this is harbinger of horrible economic times to come. No, it's not. It's the natural byproduct of horrible economic times. People stop supporting things they don't use or need. And rarely ever used.

"The lack of broad community support indicates that a resident professional opera company is not a priority of Orlando in these difficult times," said Joy Barrett Sabol, the opera board's chair.

No, Joy, and it never was. Sorry.