After 18 months of planning, development and mounting public hype, the brand new Met Philadelphia is set to open its doors on Monday.
Live Nation first announced it had purchased the former Metropolitan Opera House on North Broad back in May 2017, declaring intentions to revamp the historic space into a modern concert venue. Renovations didn’t get underway until six months ago — and ended up costing the developer a whopping $56 million.
Meanwhile, anticipation grew quickly. The official reveal came with a cool promotional video, and then the swanky design renderings increased excitement — the place is going to have actual Broadway seats.
Philly people are understandably eager for the spot to open.
People don’t just want to go to the Met — they want to work there too. When operators hosted a job fair last month, about 1,000 North Philadelphia residents applied for just 200 open positions.
The real question is: Will the lineup match the hype? It’s a complicated question, and of course the answer depends on who you ask. The performers include everyone from the super popular — Meek Mill is booked for two nights — to the not so popular. (Weird Al Yankovic is still a thing?)
We decided to analyze the venue’s star power so far. Here’s our assessment of the Met’s current roster.
The big names
Though any huge performers of the current moment — think Cardi B or Ariana Grande — are notably absent, the lineup certainly includes some A-listers (though some were on that list 50 years ago).
Bob Dylan
He’s set to open up the Met on Monday evening. Yes, the dude launching the beginning of a brand new, revitalized urban music venue is 77 years old. B+
Bill & Hillary Clinton
Never heard of ’em. A-
John Legend
Sorry, but can we have Chrissy Teigen instead? B+
Mariah Carey
“All I Want for Christmas is You” or nothing. C+
Trevor Noah
OK, sarcasm forfeited. This comedian is perfect for the Philadelphia crowd. A
The Philly people
The Met deserves the most credit for its lineup of local artists. For an iconic and historic Philly venue, it’s only right to feature lots of local names.
Meek Mill
After the first show sold out right away, a second night was added. A-
Boyz II Men
Arguably the most iconic R&B group of all time, and the entire city of Philadelphia gets to brag about it. A
Kurt Vile
Don’t let any PPA officers near his tour bus. A-
PnB Rock
Not famous quite yet… but the guy grew up in Germantown! B+
The curve balls
Alongside the famous one and the Philly ones, there are some indisputably random human beings who will get to perform on the brand new stage.
Weezer
Name one song other than “Island in the Sun.” C
Weird Al Yankovic
To repeat: This guy’s still a thing? C+
Tyler Perry’s Madea Farewell Tour
Because apparently anyone gets to have their own farewell tour these days. B
Dancing with the Stars – Live!
Oh yeah! That show had like 15 million viewers in *checks notes* 2005. D
Impractical Jokers
Had to Google this one, which is never a good sign. C+
