BY GEORGE LOOMIS [NY Sun, 21 November 2005]

The premiere of the Metropolitan Opera's new production of Gounod's "Romeo et Juliette" a week ago was a palatable affair even without its star soprano, Natalie Dessay, who was laid low by a cold. Maureen O'Flynn gave a perfectly creditable performance in her stead, but there is no denying the artistic boost Ms. Dessay gave the enterprise when she joined the cast at the second performance on Thursday evening.