Opera Seeks Muscle Flexers

   CHICAGO (Reuters) - Chicago's Lyric Opera is looking for muscular
   men who can count along with composer Richard Wagner's music.

   Advertising for "Big, Buff, Bald (or Shaved) Bodybuilders," a Lyric
   spokesman said on Wednesday the 20 right people will "need to have
   an ear for the music and/or be able to count along."

   "The men need to be big and muscular.  They'll be shirtless, so their
   chests need to be very well developed...Think Mr.  Universe or a
   weight-lifting nut," said the Lyric's Eric Eligator, who is casting
   the roles of the engine crew for 10 performances of Wagner's Tristan
   and Isolde next year.

   Auditions begin Nov.  9 for roles that pay $347.50 per week plus
   health and pension coverage.

Scott Morrison