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Hi! I’m Beth Parker, the Opera Lady, and I’m here to make opera easy for you. |
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I can help with your questions about what to expect onstage, the best places to park, free programs to learn more about our operas, and even what to wear! (Whatever you want, but please wear something!)
For starters, here’s some questions people ask me all the time:
What should I wear?
On Saturdays — opening night — some men like to trot out the ol’ tuxedo just to get their money’s worth, and the ladies might step out in a special dress. But just wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. On weeknights people often show up in what they wore to the office that day, and on Sundays we get everything from dressy to jeans.
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How can I understand what they’re singing about?
Easy! You can read the English words projected above the stage, just like subtitles at the movies. You can also read the story ahead of time online at this website or come early enough to read it in your program book. Whether you prepare or not, you won’t miss a beat so come and enjoy!
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How long will the opera be?
About the same amount of time as a long movie. Most operas are between 2 ½ and 3 hours, including intermissions. The shortest opera I know is 13 minutes long, and the longest one takes 7 days! You can find the running time for each opera we present on its web page. (There’s also lots of interesting info from the Opera Lady there!)
Click here for the shortest one
Click here for the longest one
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What’s a good show for opera newbies this season?
Madama Butterfly, The Elixir of Love, and Aida are all great for newcomers! Madama Butterfly and Aida are two of opera’s Top 5 favorites — they have incredible music, absorbing plots, three-Kleenex endings, and exotic scenery. If romantic comedy is more your thing—especially if you love Gilbert & Sullivan and light opera — you will love Elixir. Prefer your opera in English? Take Flight — a new opera in an intimate space. It’s hilarious and touching at the same time. The Capulets and the Montagues is focused on the sheer beauty of the human voice and the star power of our cast.
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Is it OK to bring kids to the opera?
Of course! We have kids who come to our student matinees and then make their parents come back so they can see the show again. The main thing is that your child should be able to sit quietly for long periods of time. Third or fourth graders are usually fine, but parents are the best judge.
Kids do best if you prepare them in advance. Tell them the story of the opera, play some of the music, or check out a video from the library. Have your little Warhols and Cassatts draw pictures of their favorite characters or imagine what the set might be like. Be creative!
Some operas - OK, most operas have adult themes. Murder, revenge, lust - all that stuff we grownups find so interesting.
So what’s a good show for kids this season?
The most family-friendly opera this season is The Elixir of Love. It’s bright and engaging and has a plot that’s easy to understand. When you hear the music, you’ll know where the composers of cartoon music got some of their ideas. And it’s the same length as the new Harry Potter movie including the intermission! Madama Butterfly and Aida are extraordinary operas that most young audiences can enjoy, too, but they take a little more emotional maturity and they’re longer. The exotic settings of both operas and the pageantry of Aida are real knockouts. Call me if you have more questions at 412-281-0912.
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Is there any special etiquette I should know about?
A little common courtesy is all you need. I’m sure it bothers you when people talk and rattle their candy wrappers at the movies, or show up late, or get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the show. Same here. And if you’re not sure when to clap, just wait until everybody else does. If you really like what you hear, yell, “Bravo!” Or just cheer, which is what Opera Lady does a lot.
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Are the singers miked?
Amazingly, no! Opera singers can make their voices carry all the way to the back of a giant concert hall - and compete with (even drown out!) a full orchestra. You should hear how loud singers sound up close! If you see microphones hanging down over the stage, somebody’s making a recording.
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Can I park near the theater?
The closest parking is right across the street from the Benedum Center, at the big blue Theater Square Garage (7th and Penn Ave). Pittsburgh Opera subscribers can buy parking vouchers for any or all of their performances for just $6 each. These really come in handy when there’s a lot going on downtown because you are guaranteed a spot. To buy vouchers, or for a list of other garages, call (412) 281-0912.
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What time should I show up at the theater?
Pittsburgh Opera performances begin at different times depending on which day you come. (See each opera’s web page for start times.) A great idea is to come early enough to hear Artistic Director Christopher Hahn's free pre-opera talk which he gives one hour before each opera begins. Otherwise, I suggest that you arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the start time in order to find parking, order intermission drinks ahead of time, and find your seat. If you show up late, the ushers may need to seat you upstairs until intermission.
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How can I learn more about the productions?
We’ve got lots of ways to get you tuned in. Try the free pre-opera talks by Artistic Director Christopher Hahn in the Benedum Center one hour before every curtain. He’ll tell you the story of the opera, give you some background about the composer, and share some behind-the-scenes stories. Just come to the theater (with your ticket, of course), and the ushers will point you in the right direction.
Meet the Artists! After each Tuesday performance, come down to the lower lobby of the Benedum Center. Have some refreshments while the singers, conductor, and stage director answer your questions. You might be surprised to see how funny and down-to-earth the singers really are.
Can’t wait until showtime? Then tune in to 89.3 FM for WQED’s Pittsburgh Opera Preview Show each Sunday and Thursday prior to Opening Nights from 7:00 – 7:30pm. The show is also available over the web from WQED’s website: wqed.org.
Gotta have the information right now? Click on the icon for the opera you’re interested in and explore! You’ll find the story, musical excerpts, interviews, photos, movie and book recommendations, and fun facts. If that’s still not enough, give Opera Lady a call.
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Do you have services for people with visual impairments?
Yes! Audio commentary is available for people with visual impairments during Tuesday performances at the Benedum Center. Using Infrared hearing devices, people can hear the supertitles read along with descriptions of the set, characters, and costumes. We also have Braille and large-print program summaries for you. To arrange seating and take advantage of special pricing for you and your companion, call Randy Adams ahead of time (412-281-0912 x 213).
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Where’s the theater? Where’s the box office?
What about wheelchair access?
The Benedum Center is Pittsburgh Opera's principal stage. For more information about the Benedum Center, including box office locations and wheelchair access, click here. We’ll also be performing this season at CAPA Theater and the CLO Cabaret Theater. For directions to these venues click here or call (412) 281-0912.
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Benjamin Britten and Herman Melville Team Up To Write An Opera
It's glorious, all 85 men singing aboard the great hull of an abstract ship, the deck jacked up, hydraulics mimicking the rise and plunge, surging through fog, eager to engage the enemy also lost in fog, seeking our side's destruction. It's war, it's what men do, the chain of command, the pecking order. Billy Budd, the handsome sailor, the round earth's foundling, goodness his default, as glad to be aboard the Indomitable as on the Rights of Man - any ship in a storm. The singers ride that rising deck, sing perilous arias-a 40 foot fall into the pit-where the orchestra below decks hears the creak of hoists overhead as they play music that lacks sopranos, mezzos. When Billy stammers, lashes out and beats his fist on Claggart's lying jaw, a drumhead court's assembled. When Good murders Evil, what's the difference? In a war, how do you know which is which?
Copyright © Liane Ellison Norman. Reproduced here by permission.
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