SHORT TAKES : ‘Aida’ Coming to Giants’ Turf

NEW YORK — Stone-faced Dallas Cowboys Coach Tom Landry was the closest thing to the Sphinx ever seen in Giants Stadium--until now. A 55-foot replica of the Egyptian wonder is coming to New Jersey in June for a spectacular $7-million production of the opera “Aida.”

While most operas aren’t over ‘til the fat lady sings, this one won’t be done until 1,200 cast members, a 100-piece orchestra, a menagerie of exotic animals and the eight-ton Sphinx are paraded through Giants Stadium for two nights.

Promoters are hoping for 39,000 people each night for the June 1-2 shows. Giants Stadium is the latest stop for the opera, which is billed as the biggest production of any opera, ever.