Well the Doc opened up the old mailbag today and here’s what poured out.

Dear Dr. Ads,

There I was, minding my own business and clicking through email (which is like fingernails, right? – never stops growing), when up popped this message in my in-box.

Hi,

Thought you might be interested in Operas and Ballets considering product placement.

Paging Dr. Ads!

Really, Doc? The Barbasol of Seville? Cosi Fan Tutti Frutti? Porgy & Bess Eaton Donuts?

Even Looney Tunes wasn’t that crazy.

– Bugs-eyed

Dear Buggsy,

Let’s start with the all-time classic of the horned helmet set (tip o’ the hare to Looney & Cartoon fan 004).

London’s Royal Opera House, which can only dream of reaching such operatic heights, is now flirting with a new low note, as Michael Vincent reports at Ludwig Van Daily.

In the heart of London, the Royal Opera House (ROH) stands as a testament to the grandeur of the performing arts. Yet, as it faces increasing competition, the venerable institution may need to embrace the digital age’s dynamism to ensure its future.

According to Bloomberg, Lloyd Dorfman, the chairman of the board of trustees at the ROH, is spearheading a pioneering approach to bridge the gap between classic artistry and modern-day technology.

That “pioneering” approach? Jumping into the $29 billion worldwide product placement pool.

High-end fashion houses like Burberry have experience in the performing arts, creating bespoke ballet costumes for special performances. The idea is to expand these collaborations by integrating luxury brands into the fabric of the ROH’s daily operations seamlessly. An Example includes having Rolex sponsor the precise timing of ballet performances, elevating the brand’s association with precision and excellence while infusing the ROH with much-needed funds.

Granted, product placement has previously been more associated with soap operas than their highbrow namesakes. But ROH chair Dorfman told Bloomberg’s Sabah Meddings,“Harrods has got scaffolding on the front of their building, and every month they have a different brand.” The Royal Ballet or Opera, he believes, “could also be sponsored by brands such as Tiffany & Co or Rolex, should they be interested.”

So, to recap: We’re looking at product placements during ROH performances, product placements on ROH’s landmark Covent Garden home – what’s next?  Branded baritones? Logoed Lohengrins? HBO mezzo sopranos?

Your operatic death scene goes here.