Opera FAQs for First-Timers

Welcome to CODA! Coda comes from the latin word for “tail,” and in music, it indicates an additional passage at the end of a piece of music, a final flourish that compliments what’s come before. CODA goes beyond the curtain call to explore this unique and astonishing art form. Whether you’re a first-time opera goer or a seasoned audience member, CODA is for you. Bi-weekly, we’ll enhance your experience of this opera with behind-the-scenes highlights, educational articles, listening lists, and much, much more!?

If you’ve never been to an opera before, it’s normal to feel a bit nervous. Pop culture sometimes portrays opera as elitist or stuffy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

This season, we present one of opera’s most beloved and universal operas, La bohème. Boasting one of opera’s most tuneful scores and a cast of relatable characters, this opera has something for everyone. Comedy lovers will fall in love with the big-hearted but fiery Musetta, romantics will be taken in by Mimi and Rodolfo’s story, and fans of dramas will be touched by the tragic tale. La bohème is perfect for opera newcomers and veteran audience members alike.

We hear from delighted first-time audience members about how much fun they had and how surprisingly accessible this art form is, and we hope you will join them this season! If you’re ready to dip your toes into the operatic pool, we’ve compiled a list of the most-asked questions we get from patrons to set you at ease!

What if I don’t speak the language?

Concern about understanding what’s happening on stage is one of the biggest concerns we hear from first-time opera goers, but have no fear. Almost every opera house in the world has supertitles (translations projected over the stage), so going to the opera is not much different from popping in your favorite international film. You’ll be able to read every word as you watch the action.?

Many opera companies also provide a written, act-by-act synopsis in the playbill for the audience to follow, providing you with a little extra comfort with the plot. Those who like to do their homework may even find it helpful to look up the plot before attending, but most opera-goers find that they don’t need to rely too much on preparation once the music starts. Opera is a big art form with big emotions, and you’re rarely left wondering how someone feels because the music is there to tell you.?

What do I wear?

If you’ve ever seen Pretty Woman or Moonstruck, you may think of opera as a black-tie event, but that’s only true if you want it to be! There is no formal dress code for the opera house, and when you attend you’ll see a variety of styles, from jeans to business casual to tuxedos. For opening night and weekend evening performances, you’ll typically see a dressier crowd than for matinees or for weeknight performances. Many of us don’t get much of a chance to dress up in our daily lives, so audience members often take this opportunity to put on their Sunday best. Most people dress as they would for a nice dinner out, and that’s a good rule of thumb for your first opera. Once you have your first show under your belt, you’ll have a better feel of what to wear. The important thing is to be comfortable!

Are operas long?

Just like movies, an opera’s run time can vary widely. Operas have anywhere from one to five acts, and usually have one or two intermissions. Some operas clock in under two hours, and some can be as long as five, but a good rule of thumb is to plan for two and a half to three hours with intermission, about the same time you’d spend watching The Lord of the Rings. Many of the classics like Carmen, Don Giovanni, and La traviata are under 3 hours. Our upcoming production of La bohème runs about 100 minutes. If you’re worried about a show’s duration, most companies list the run time on their website.

One thing is for sure: if you spend time wondering how long an opera is going to be, then that opera is going to feel endless, no matter how short it is! Instead, give yourself a cushion of time (it’s live theater; anything can happen!), sit back, and let yourself get lost in the sweeping drama and beautiful music.

When do I clap?

Are you allowed to applaud at the opera? The answer is a resounding “yes!” In many ways, opera is an art form about spectacle, eliciting big emotions from the audience, so it’s natural to want to express your appreciation. Applause is usually reserved for the end of an overture (the orchestral piece at the beginning of an opera) and after each Act. You may also see others applaud at the end of a particularly great aria or ensemble. Opera’s biggest applause is usually reserved for the curtain call. If you’re nervous about when to clap, take a cue from those around you.

If you love a musician’s performance, don’t be afraid to let them know! Cheers are welcome, and the opera has a special way of showing appreciation: “BRAVO!” In Italian, bravo literally means “brave,” but it is mostly used to say “well done!” Italian is a grammatically gendered language, so use “bravo” for men, “brava” for women, and “bravi” for a group!

Whether you’re an opera newbie or diehard fan, we hope you will join us for our innovative production of? La bohème. Presented in reverse order, this new take on an old classic will transport you from Mimi’s tragic death to her vibrant life, from loss to young love, from despair to hope.

Take a journey to the past with us, September 23-October 2 at the Emerson Colonial Theatre. Click here for tickets, cast details, and more about our innovative new production.

What would you like to see in CODA? Let us know in the comments!?

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