In this Nov. 2, 2009 photo released by the New York City Opera, Roy Cornelius Smith performs in the role of Hannan during a dress rehearsal of 'Esther,' at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York. (AP Photo/NYC Opera, Carol Rosegg)AP - Launching its comeback in perilous financial times, the New York City Opera might well have played it safe with a surefire crowd-pleaser, like its production of Puccini's "Madama Butterfly."