You know, I named myself after Les Contes d'Hoffmann. I had only recently seen a single production and I don't think I quite realized at the time just how much of an elusive and constantly redefined thing that opera really is; although that's actually not a terrible connotation to have in one's pen name, and it goes well with the actual reasons I chose it.

I am definitely on Team Have As Much Mezzo-Soprano As Possible, though. I can't remember the name of the singer I saw in that role; I always think pants roles are wonderful, but that one was especially wonderful. The production you saw sounds really excellent.