J.D.: One reason is the basic structure of the opera, which is fairly classic: the heroic woman who could have accomplished so much but is derailed by sex. Then she complains a lot until she does something self-sacrificing and out of bounds. S.H.: That’s fascinating! J.D.: A nice way of saying “That’s wrong!”

Jeanine Tesori becomes the first woman composer to open a season in the Metropolitan Opera’s 141-year history when a revised “Grounded” starring mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo is featured at Monday night’s gala.

A star-making turn from Emily D'Angelo can't rescue Jeanine Tesori's uninspiring new opera with which the Met opens its new season.

Dehn’s blue-lit perch high in Mimi Lien’s two-tiered set, and her robust voice with flecks of coloratura, as she presided over the scene “I Am Above Me,” offered just a touch of Queen-of-the-Night menace and the showiest singing in an otherwise unshowy score.

Last year, the Metropolitan Opera hosted a concert celebration of the music of composer Stephen Schwartz. Jeanine Tesori, composer of Broadway musicals including Fun