Ngai Tahu chairman Mark Solomon described Dame Kiri's remarks as an unfair generalisation.

BBC: Dame Kiri remarks strike sour note

Teddy Tahu Rhodes was a menacing Stanley Kowalski, his bald head and tattoo on his left arm in stark contrast to Fleming in Johann Stegmeir's glamorous dresses.

WSJ: Review: Andre Previn's 'Streetcar' makes it to NYC

When you sing for your supper, it's hard to keep weight on, says Teddy Tahu Rhodes, who takes a star turn as the bullfighter, Escamillo, in the Metropolitan Opera's production of Bizet's "Carmen" starting Saturday in New York.

WSJ: Opera Singer Builds Up Stamina for 'Carmen'

It was also poignant to hear Ms. Fleming alongside the lush, youthful soprano of Susanna Phillips as an almost unconsciously sexy Stella, who has surrendered joyfully to the brutal, elemental Stanley, sung with barking ferocity and acted with menace by baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes.

WSJ: The Emperor's Race New Clothes | Eliogabalo | A Streetcar Named Desire | Opera Reviews by Heidi Waleson