The episode centers on a fictional conductor named Philip Reinhardt, played by Julian Sands. A fake issue of Opera News with Reinhardt on the cover was created as a prop for the show. The headline reads, "What's Next for America's Favorite Maestro?"; Brian Kellow, the real-life features editor of the magazine, is credited as the author of the story.

"This is by far the easiest feature story I have ever written," Kellow said. "Or, should I say, not written."

A spokesperson for the magazine could not say whether Reinhardt is a suspect, victim, or witness in the episode, which airs at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 9 (check local listings).

Law and Order: Criminal Intent, part of the long-running Law and Order police-procedural franchise, stars Vincent D'Onofrio as Detective Robert Goren.