The Metropolitan Opera's premiere of "Fire Shut Up in My Bones" marked a significant return after an 18-month pandemic closure and was the company's first work by a Black composer. The opera, with music by Terence Blanchard and a libretto by Kasi Lemmons, received a warm reception, particularly for its energetic step dance scenes. As the opera returned to the Met, questions arose about its enduring appeal without the initial fanfare. While the audience remained diverse and engaged, some shortcomings in the opera became more apparent. The bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green delivered a compelling performance, but certain aspects, such as the dense libretto and secondary character focus, drew criticism. The choreography stood out as a highlight, overshadowing some of the opera's musical elements.