Mariah Carey, coffee makers and other highlights from the Olympic opening ceremony

"MILAN Fireworks. Mariah Carey. A dancing stovetop espresso maker. The Winter Olympics kicked off in Italy on Friday with all that and more. Milan's San Siro Stadium played the role of primary host. But, in the spirit of these unusually widespread Games, simultaneous celebrations were also held in the clusters of Livigno, Predazzo and Cortina d'Ampezzo, which for the first time ever lit a second Olympic cauldron."

"Watching from the stands means getting a glimpse of some behind-the-scenes magic, like cameras zipping across cables overhead and the talent whether dressed as Italian opera masters, architectural marvels, chefs or Pinocchio waiting in the wings between acts. Some of the hundreds of volunteers rolled prop carts around and helped carry the hem of Mariah Carey's dress. And many of them were side-stepping and bobbing along to a set by DJ Mace, who was also busting moves nonstop, even when the cameras weren't on him."

"There were plenty of reasons for those in the stadium to pay attention to the TV screens (there were six). For one, much of the action including entire portions of the Parade of Nations happened elsewhere. That was the only way to see countries' delegations backflipping and mean-mugging from places like Cortina and Livigno, sort of alternating with the parade in Milan. The TVs also showed the pre-taped segments and occasionally the names of people (like flag- and torch-bearers) onstage."

Fireworks, Mariah Carey and theatrical bits — including a dancing stovetop espresso maker — opened the Winter Olympics in Italy, with Milan's San Siro as primary host and simultaneous celebrations in Livigno, Predazzo and Cortina d'Ampezzo, which lit a second Olympic cauldron. The ceremony lasted about three and a half hours, featured delegations from 92 countries and roughly 1,400 costumes. Spectators in the stands saw behind-the-scenes elements like cameras overhead, performers waiting in wings and volunteers moving props and assisting wardrobe. Multiple stadium TV screens displayed action and pre-taped segments from other venues. The partially open roof and plastic seating made conditions noticeably cold.

Read at www.npr.org