Now Opera night 101 sounds like it isn’t very pleasant. But it actually is a lot of fun . It’s just that I know a thing or two that might make the evening more memorable in a positive way. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, it is so much more fun if you dress up. Like shirt and tie (Did you guys just groan? I heard that!). You know that dressing up pays big dividends in the end. I mean you look so 007! We can hardly keep our hands to ourselves! I would think that such a thing would be good!
Ladies take time to consider your dress and shoes… I know you’ll do this… but remember that the parking structures don’t care if you’re wearing three inch heels… it still costs the same and your feet will still hurt if you have to walk a long parking structure, and then stand in the foyer waiting before theater doors open. I suggest low heels, unless your date popped for a limo that lets you off at the curb of the opera house.
The only opera that I’d dress any different for would be a Wagnerian opera… they are very long… some 4 and 5 hours. No one should have to sit in dress clothing for that length of time and wear any less than yoga pants and shirt with athletic shoes. In fact, in some opera houses, for an Wagnerian opera, it is expected. And, you might think of taking a sandwich or oxygen to revive you if it’s your first Wagner experience. Yes, they are really long!
Next, arrive early. There are all kinds of people from all walks of life who go to the opera. The people watching is such fun. Sometimes the visiting is fun too. Different people and different languages!
(“Hola, que paso, mi amigo?” and the like!) I recall taking youngest son, Nicholas ( who was dressed to the nines and looking really delicious), to the opera. First time just he and I… It’s the intermission… and Sarah Michelle Geller goes by and a little action occurred between the two of them… Nick comes up to me and says, “Dang, did she just hit on me? She did! That woman just hit on me!” Does he remember the plot of the opera? Hardly. Does he remember the Intermission? Every bloody minute of it… yet he had a great time all evening long and still goes to the opera to this very day.
When it’s getting close to curtain, I suggest a trip to the men’s room or the ladies lounge because there is no leaving the theater once the opera has begun. And no one is going to let you potty dance while Mimi and Rodolfo sing their duet. (Kegel maybe but no potty dancing!) So to sum up, arrive early and hit the restroom before you take your seat…. when the doors close, all bets are off… you can’t get in if you’re late, and you can’t get out if you have to “go.”
Now let’s say we’ve come to the Intermission, and you’re thinking “food.” And this part does stink to me. There is no popcorn! It isn’t like going to the movies. (I personally find this bad news because the three things I love most are popcorn, practically raw beef, and rum. You won’t find any of those things at an opera.) Intermission is usually nuts or maybe candy if you’re lucky and always a bar with champagne. I take something in my handbag (like a protein bar or maybe some packaged nuts). These aren’t my favorite, but I consider it my “concession” to attending, as I eat less than what I love while hearing and seeing some of the greatest music on the planet.
When Julia and I go to La Boheme, we will have had dinner out before we attend. It’s a good idea to have reservations way in advance at a restaurant that caters to opera goers. They understand that you cannot be late, so the meal will be timely and well prepared.
Today I listened to La Boheme maybe six times through. I am listening for what I need to present to a nine year old, to help her hear with the most educated ear possible. This is a really wonderful opera. I can’t hear Mimi’s death scene and not have chills… and that’s every time I hear it. Guys, you want to make “points?” Take your love to this one. It is such a compelling sound when Rodolfo discovers that Mimi is actually dead (Che avvien?). The music sounds the most beautiful chord full of brass in the low tones and has this upper shrill movement with strings and woodwinds… then Rodolfo cries… the most beautiful tone high above all the other instruments. And then there is the pulsing movement of the French horns which continues, like a heat beat then stops, to say “Gone forever…. in death parted forever.” (Pavarotti was extremely gifted in this role.)
As I listened today, I thought of the many times I’ve been Rodolfo and experienced the death of a loved one. Too many times. This music is so soothing because it speaks the pain you feel in that moment, and it soothes your soul with its understanding of it.
I will be thinking carefully as I share this opera with Julia. I want her to know all of the opera, but I want to leave room for her to feel for herself what this means to her. Opera means something to the people who see it… this is no ordinary entertainment. It will be very exciting for her I’m sure of that.
Now I know you’re probably not listening to La Boheme right now. So maybe to hear me talk like this, is laughable. But then if you know death and love and the drama of this… you might want to listen to this music and find comfort in it.
May your evening be beautiful, with only lovely music to lull you to sleep.
Best… Carolyn Thomas Temple