1. Do you like musicals? Why (not)?

I'm indifferent. I've seen a few: Grease, Chicago, Cabaret (the movie was better), maybe some other one. Nothing elevates musicals for me. They're just kinda pop. The singing is good, but not extraordinary. I don't care for the Broadway style of dance. Words may be difficult to hear.

2. Do you like opera? Why (not)?

I love opera. The voices and the drama. Over-the-top emotions and singers doing insane, pushing-the-envelope of what humans can do things with their voices. They are world-class athletes, and fill me with awe. Also, it's just so beautiful, you don't have to try to appreciate it. How do you explain why a delicious food tastes delicious?

3. What's your favorite musical?

n/a

4. What elevates it above the rest?

n/a

5. What's your favorite opera?

I haven't seen many so far, but the ones that stand out:

Salome was the first one we saw, and it blew me away. Karita Mattila's acting was so good (also her German pronounciation impeccable, I could actually understand), paired with Oscar Wilde's libretto, and very disturbing material.

Don Giovanni was a bit drawn-out and soap-operaish, but Erwin Schrott's voice is velvety and super-sexy. It stands out to me as the best male voice I've yet heard.

Except maybe for Rolando Villazon, who broke my heart in his suicide scene in Lucia di Lamermoor. His voice isn't technically as good, but he sings with so much passion and emotion. I really hope his voice problems are behind him, I would love to see him again. Anna Netrebko's first aria in Lucia - "Regnava nel silenzio" was so hauntingly beautiful I teared up.

Onegin, because of two outstanding performances from Piotr Beczala as Lensky (great aria) and Karita Mattila in the final scene.

6. What elevates it above the rest?

BONUS POINTS: Do you or have you ever teared up while watching Les Misérables? If not, how does it feel to lack a soul?

Haven't seen it.