Before the curtain even went up, there was plenty to cheer at New York City Opera's season opener Sunday at BAM. For starters, because of the company's financial woes, some opera fans were not sure this season would even happen. In addition, now that it's here, Brooklyn native Laquita Mitchell is starring in "La Traviata" as love-lorn Violetta, a European courtesan battling social conventions and tuberculosis

"We have to be color blind. This is just the time that we live in. How easy it is for us now to don a wig and put on beautiful costumes," said Mitchell.

General manager George Steel also praised the day. He says with new union contracts and other changes City Opera now has a balanced budget for the first time in a decade. And despite criticism of the company's move out of Lincoln Center to save money, Steel says The Brooklyn Academy of Music is a great venue.

"BAM is the only functioning 19th century opera house in New York City. It's the perfect place to see this opera," said Steel.

The performance also features a cameo by celebrity chef and restaurateur Mario Batali, who helped city opera do some important fundraising and was rewarded for his efforts.

"I'm in the chorus. It's the opening party scene where they sing, perhaps, the most famous song," said Batali.

"La Traviata" is at BAM through the end of the week, making way for Rufus Wainwright's "Prima Donna." All tickets to the BAM performances are just $25 and at that price they are selling out quickly.

The season continues at two Manhattan locations in March and May with tickets starting around $60.

For more information about this week's performances, visit nycopera.com.