First Timers Guide to the Opera
Like many of you , my first memory of the opera comes at the hands of the unparalled talents of Warner Brothers studios and the unmistakeably quick witted character Bugs Bunny. The famous 1957 episode that ran on television throughout my childhood entitled “ What’s Opera, Doc” comes to mind with its bold imagery, dramatic story telling and memorable soundtrack. This almost 7 minute cartoon features Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd as Brunhild and Siegfried in a comical interpretation of the classic opera The Ring of Nibelung by Richard Wagner. I can’t say that I knew anything about Richard Wagner or opera as a child but I can say that I found this performance both entertaining and memorable.
Fast forward thirty years and I decide to have a go at attending an opera in person hoping to invoke the joy and grandeur that I have come to know as a part of the opera experience. Last month I was able to attend the great American classic, Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin . First premiering on the Broadway stage in 1935 is a dramatic folk opera set in Charleston, SC. It focuses on the poverty stricken residents of Catfish row and their struggle to survive. I am happy I chose this opera as my first one even though this opera is not without its controversies, namely being the fact that this opera at its creator’s request is only to be performed by a black cast (to eliminate the possibilty of the opera being performed by white singers in blackflace) and many argue and question if it still make sense to present an opera written by Russian Jewish immigrant siblings and a white husband and wife team from a wealthy South Carolina family as the opera about black American life? Is it a collection of insulting stereotypes set against gorgeous orchestrations, or something more? Then there are those who say Porgy and Bess is musical theater and NOT an actual opera.
Nonetheless, I feel as though this was an excellent foray into a new genre of the arts for me and I left feeling entertained and interested to try and attend again. I have shared my first opera experience with many friends and aquiantances to compare notes and found that I was greeted by many who have not attended an opera before. So I thought it a good idea to answer a few questions and provide some helpful tips for anyone who is perhap leaning towards the decision of attending an opera.
What Exactly is an Opera?
Opera (the italian word for work) is an art form that tells a story through music and singing. Unlike musicals or musical theater, opera singers do not use microphones to amplifytheir voices, and all music, performed by an orchestra, is live.
Selecting an Opera to Attend
Operas are as varied in content as the selection of shows your local movie theater, however, attending a live opera performance is NOT like going to a movie. Operas often are longer than traditional movies and musicals and tend to have complicated or controversial themes so you will want to review plot lines beforehand. While some operas are sung in English, most are performed in their original language (typically Italian, German and French). No worries, audiences can easily keep up with the plot through English surtitles which are projected above the stage during the performance. Here are a few good options to select as your first opera for their familiarity and easy to follow plots:
The Magic Flute - one of Wolfgang Mozart’s most-loved operas is the story of love triumphing over evil with a catalog of songs you will most certainly be familiar with.
Carmen - this opera packed with catchy melodies that you will have no doubt heard before by Georges Bizet is a dramatic romance and tragic story of one man and his pursuit of the love and attention of a woman.
La Boheme - a tragic story of love, friendship, mortality and heartbreak written by Giacomo Puccini follows four bohemians living in Paris. This opera was the inspiration for the popular musical/movie Rent so the plot lines will feel familiar.
La Traviata - the inspiration for the popular retelling Moulin Rouge, is a tragic love story set against the backdrop of a divided upper-class society. Again, this opera has a soundtrack that will feel familiar and have you humming to yourself.
The Barber of Seville - good for the whole family, this opera is witty and full of physical comedy. Written by Gioachino Rossini, this opera is about a barber who helps a Count free his love from her evil guardian. Bonus, this opera may feel familiar for many thanks to our old pal Bugs Bunny again for the Looney Tunes “Rabbit of Seville” episode.
Porgy and Bess - Definitely if you are American, this will be a good choice. The themes will feel familiar, the music of Gershwin will be familiar and of course its in English!
What to Expect at the Opera
Many expect opera to be a boring art form patronized by only the wealthy snobs listening to 18th century melodies sung until the proverbial “Fat Laby” sings but that couln’t be farter from the truth. Opera has been one of the fastest growing art forms with its showcase of ornate costuming, elaborate scenery, dramatic singing actors, and racy plots about life, death, sex, political intrigue, mistaken identities, star-crossed lovers, and much, much more.
Operas tend to be 2 to 3 hours including an additional 20 minute intermission so you should eat and use the restroom before you arrive but know that there will be a break to grab a snack or use the restroom.
Dress at the opera these days covers the gamut all the way from ball gowns to blue jeans. Tuxes and long dresses are quite common on opening night of the opera season each year; but they're certainly not required, and business attire is considered the norm. Dress pants or a nice skirt would be perfectly suitable, though patrons do tend to dress more casually for mid-week performances and Sunday matinees.
Depending on your seat you may want to bring binoculars - especially if you are seated in an upper balcony. Follow usual theater etiquette such as turning off your cell phone and/or watch alarms. Refrain from talking during performances and don’t take photos or video.. You may also want to express caution with your applause as operas are notorious for using silent pauses to create dramatic effect, so do applaud after arias and chorus pieces but not in the middle of scenes.
No matter the opera you select for your first attendance, take it all in and formulate your own opinions. There is much that has already been stated on pontificated about all of the previously performed operas but your experience should be your own.
Do you think that opera is an art form you would enjoy? If you have been to an opera previously what has been your favorite or least favorite experiences?
