Opening night attire for Waitress

[!nkblot]

Posted: 4/22/16 at 11:46pm

Hi everyone,

I bought a ticket to the opening night show of Waitress (rear mezzanine), and I was wondering what kind of attire would be best for it. I'm a female college student and I've never been to an opening night before, and I've heard some people say it depends on the show. I imagine Waitress might be on the slightly more casual side of things (maybe not Avenue Q casual), but I'm far from an expert when it comes to Broadway. 

Thanks!

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 4/23/16 at 12:03am

OPENING NIGHT IS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE! Yeah! Just wear what you normally wear at the theatre. 

[IlanaKeller]

Posted: 4/23/16 at 12:04am

I would think you can't go wrong with something along the lines of business casual. That's what I try to stick to for any production (although granted many, many people go more casual). I don't think you'd be out of place even if some people are more dressed up, and if others are more casual, still think it's a nice gesture for any show.

[SweetLips]

Posted: 4/23/16 at 3:26am

Wear whatever makes you look FABULOUS and if you sit next to someone who doesn't look as good as you tell them at least they tried---then all go out for a drink afterwards and bitch everyone else.

Have fun.

[atuomala]

Posted: 4/23/16 at 3:27am

Broadway has not enforced a dress code in years. Often when opening night tickets are available to the public, the general audience dresses no differently than they would any other performance. When I attend opening nights, I wear a button-up shirt, slacks, and oxfords (which I wear for ordinary performances as well). It's nice to dress up, but by no means is it required for opening night any more than it's required for ordinary performances. I went to the opening night performance of Spring Awakening this season and was seated next to a man who was wearing cargo shorts and flip flops. The bar has been set incredibly low these days. 

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 4/23/16 at 10:49am

Yes dressing up is optional..but the ratty dirty sneakers and stained t-shirt that someone wore sitting next to me at one opening night was pathetic.

There is the invited group that is always dressed up as they will probably be photographed and will probably all be seated somewhat near in each in the orchestra section, but everyone else looks pretty normal (well normal IS a judgement call). But I like to wear something a little special ...and respectful. It adds to MY enjoyment.

[Dave13]

Posted: 4/23/16 at 1:31pm

Went to opening of Fiddler.  Some dressed up, but general public was mostly casual.  

[Margo319]

Posted: 4/23/16 at 1:34pm

Be not like the typical tourist norm and stay away from sweatpants, gross sneakers, and ratty shirts.  The theater is an event.  People forget that.  Dress your best, and look fabulous.

[MadonnaMusical]

Posted: 4/23/16 at 1:40pm

I vote for dressing up. Can we all just tell people to dress up for opening night? I can't imagine a scenario where some people are wearing tuxedos and having their photographs taken and I'd feel comfortable standing close by in jeans. 

Dress up. Business attire or Sunday best at least... 

[LaVieBoheme7]

Posted: 4/24/16 at 2:36pm

How does opening night work for non-invited guests, ie. regular people who bought tickets for the mezzanine in the last few days?

Ticket time says 6:30, but does the house opening earlier than the normal 30 minutes before? When/where do the red carpet and things like that take place and do you have access to watching that? When would be a good time to arrive?

Thanks!

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 4/24/16 at 3:30pm

Opening Night on Broadway is the same as a regular performance so adhere to the performance time.  It's not a live broadcast awards show where you need to be there early as the doors are locked about 30 minutes before the live broadcast. 

 

As for the red carpet/step & repeat backdrop, it's outside on the sidewalk.  The press is lined-up outside the curb/sidewalk so if you want to watch the arrivals, you can from across the street as you'll be shuffled into your seats if you're obstructing the entrance to the lobby by standing in that area.  Unless you have credentials and are a recognizable face, you won't be permitted onto the red carpet/step & repeat backdrop.  

 

[mc1227]

Posted: 4/24/16 at 4:17pm

I would dress up a little since it is a special event.  You are in for quite a treat.  Was there last night and the atmosphere for the last preview show was so enthusiastic and electric.  That should be even moe so tonight. Enjoy!!

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 4/24/16 at 4:45pm

I say dress up, not for others but for yourself.  It will make it more of the special occasion that it is.