Boa Constrictor Steals Spotlight in Met Opera's "Così Fan Tutte"

Princess, a 6-foot-7-inch boa constrictor weighing 48 pounds, has made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in "Così Fan Tutte." She commands her own dressing room, a unique perk for a performer in Mozart's opera. Princess replaced a puppet snake, a decision initiated by mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey, who will share the stage with the reptile.

Hankey requested Princess for the role, finding the idea of working with live animals compelling despite initial reservations. Princess has an understudy named Nala, and her handler, Zoe Ziegfeld, will be present on stage to manage Princess and ensure Hankey's safety during their scenes together.

This production of "Così Fan Tutte" is a revival of Phelim McDermott's 2018 staging, which reimagined the opera in a mid-20th-century Coney Island setting. Princess's predecessor, Cupcake, has retired, with her daughter Nala now serving as Princess's understudy, indicating a new generation of performers, both human and serpentine, at the Met.

Separately, DoorDash has agreed to a $131.5 million settlement with New York City to resolve claims of underpaying and not paying delivery workers. The company will pay approximately $83 million to workers for time spent logged into its app between deliveries. This settlement follows an investigation initiated in 2023 after courier complaints.