Inhalt: After the director Robert Carsen's production of Verdi's "Falstaff” had its premiere at the Royal Opera House in London last year, word spread that it was wonderful — a thoughtful, affecting and hilarious staging that updates the action from the time of Henry IV to England in the 1950s. Several companies are partners in this production, including the Metropolitan Opera, which is a lucky thing for Verdi fans in the New York area. The Carsen production had its Met premiere on Friday night and immediately became a high point of Peter Gelb's tenure as general manager. A splendid cast is led by the powerhouse Italian baritone Ambrogio Maestri, who simply owns the role of Falstaff. This was his 200th performance of it. At 6 foot 5 with his Falstaffian physique, Mr. Maestri certainly looks the part. A natural onstage, and surprisingly light on his feet, he makes Falstaff a charming rapscallion and sings with consummate Italianate style. (Anthony Tommasini ; nytimes.com)