Now let’s say you’ve finally succumbed to curiosity and want to see an opera. Admittedly opera can be considered an acquired taste so maybe you’ll want to start with something “easy.” Arguably the operatic composers Puccini (pooCHEENEE), Verdi (VEHRdee), and Offenbach (OFFENbach) wrote some of the most melodic scores in history. You wouldn’t go wrong seeing “La Boheme,” “Madama Butterfly,” or “The Tales of Hoffman.” They are fairly easy to follow and have some incredibly beautiful passages. Keep in mind that most opera is an exaggeration in action and in voice. You will definitely notice this on stage so you need to keep this in mind. And, almost all operas end tragically. So ladies, bring your Kleenex.
Reading Up & Dressing Up
Before you venture out you might want to pull up the opera online and read about it. That way you’ll have a mental head start when you get to the theater. If you’re really adventurous you can buy the opera’s “libretto” which has the word-for-word musical score. Real aficionados are often seen using a penlight to follow the libretto as the opera is being performed.
Speaking of today’s theater (referred to as the Opera House in Europe), it wasn’t too long ago that everyone dressed for the occasion. Men respectfully wore suits and women wore long, flowing and very ostentatious gowns. You will still see many decked out that way because people like an excuse to dress up. And since most operas are performed in the evening it makes for an elegant night out. However, you will be equally welcome in more regular attire although shorts, t-shirts, flip flops, etc. would be discouraged.
Another strong suggestion is to be on time. Although the opera itself usually starts fashionably late it is customary for the audience to be in their seats. If you are late, many theaters will not seat you until well into the performance when a logical break appears.