The Comeback Composer
Opera World Taps Handel
To Woo New Audiences;
Cleopatra in Gold Lamé

By HEIDI WALESON

The last time Michael Goodman had season tickets to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, Gerald Ford was president and pet rocks were in vogue. This year, he couldn't wait to shell out $1,700 for two subscriptions.

The big draw: Opening night of Handel's "Rodelinda," an opera about an imprisoned queen. "I love Handel operas," says the 62-year-old real-estate investor. " 'Xerxes' at New York City Opera knocked my socks off."

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