If you haven't attended a live opera performance in the Inland Northwest, your last chance might be right here, right now. Not to sound devilishly ominous, but local opera is the latest cultural delight to dangle on the ledge of solvency. Spokane Opera is no more. Only Opera Coeur d'Alene remains standing, and to put it bluntly, this weekend's two performances of "Faust" represent an enormous challenge - and of course, a heck of an opportunity. Opera Coeur d'Alene has put together an all-star cast with expert stage direction from Aaron St. Clair Nicholson, a star of Metropolitan Opera House fame himself. During an enthusiastic gathering of opera fans last week at Bistro on Spruce in Coeur d'Alene, Nicholson paused between songs long enough to promise this: "You're going to see a show as good as anywhere in the world. The smiles will melt your faces off"/Mike Patrick, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: What would it take to interest you in a $35 ticket to the Opera Coeur d'Alene offering of "Faust"?