Broadway Opening Night Reception

[Daniero]

Posted: 2/17/17 at 10:04am

Dont know if anyone can help me but my company is invited to the opening night/ after party of Sunday in the Park. The invitation says black tie and I was just wondering how fancy people take that. Are gowns necessary? Or just fancy? Help would be much appreciated! 

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 2/17/17 at 10:07am

"Black tie" is pretty clearly defined across many different platforms. But here you go.... 

• http://www.blacktieguide.com/Etiquette/Etiquette_Defining_Black_Tie.htm
• http://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/news/a2508/how-to-decode-a-black-tie-invitation/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_tie
• http://stylecaster.com/black-tie-formal-wear/

[RaisedOnMusicals]

Posted: 2/17/17 at 10:47am

If it says "Black Tie Optional" then it's appropriate for men to wear dark suits, but if it just says "Black Tie" then men are expected to wear tuxedos. Women do not have to wear long gowns in either case, and given it follows a night of theater, I would expect that many or most women will not be in long gowns.

It is VERY unusual today for Opening Nights to be formal attire. 

[asmith0307]

Posted: 2/17/17 at 11:38am

However, not all opening nights are for the first production in a new theatre. 

 

That being said, if you need a good recommendation, since you brought up gowns, I am going to guess you might be interested in wearing one to the event (versus the tux). If you haven't heard of Rent the Runway, check them out. They have two locations in NYC where you can try on dresses in person. They set me up for the Tony Awards this year. Super easy and would recommend them every time. 

[vampire musical]

Posted: 2/17/17 at 1:59pm

Seconding that black tie is unusual for a Broadway opening though Sunset Boulevard just had a black tie opening so maybe it's a new trend.  Who knows.  It's not the Tonys so I don't think you need to wear a gown.  I'd go for a very nice cocktail dress and spice it up with an expensive clutch and jewelry.  Maybe get a blowout and have your makeup done professionally.  Have fun! 

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 2/17/17 at 2:42pm

Did you all miss the part where the OP stated it was "black tie" on the invitation? Not "black tie optional," or anything else.

[GreenGables]

Posted: 2/17/17 at 2:47pm

Daniero said: "Dont know if anyone can help me but my company is invited to the opening night/ after party of Sunday in the Park. The invitation says black tie and I was just wondering how fancy people take that. Are gowns necessary? Or just fancy? Help would be much appreciated! 

 

"

While I agree that it is typically unusual, because it says it on the invitation, you pretty much need to have formal attire.  I mean, you can wear whatever you want, but you'll definitely be in the minority.   Let's not disclose the location here, but it would look out of place given the venue to not wear black tie / black tie equivalent.

That said, maybe ask your company for guidance?  Any theatrical company would likely tell you to rent a tux or go to rent the runway, but maybe if you're invited through Sony they are planning on being more laid back.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 2/17/17 at 3:03pm

In 21st Century Broadway terms, black tie does not mean black tie in the conventional sense. Talent, especially, will wear what they want. So will some creatives. How comfortable you will feel depends on you. If you want a guide to how people dress, watch a recent Tony broadcast. PS no one is going to stop anyone from entering because of not being in black tie. It is probably not even legal in NYC.

[vampire musical]

Posted: 2/17/17 at 3:08pm

Here are the press pics from the Sunset Boulevard opening night which was "black tie".  You'll see how loose that interpretation is for Broadway. 

http://www.playbill.com/article/photos-sunset-boulevard-revival-starring-glenn-close-opening-night-on-broadway

Updated On: 2/17/17 at 03:08 PM

[GreenGables]

Posted: 2/17/17 at 4:29pm

vampire musical said: "Here are the press pics from the Sunset Boulevard opening night which was "black tie".  You'll see how loose that interpretation is for Broadway. 

http://www.playbill.com/article/photos-sunset-boulevard-revival-starring-glenn-close-opening-night-on-broadway

 

"

That's a good point - the creatives and actors/musicians tend to wear whatever they want, with producers/investors/invited guests tend to adhere more closely to the 'official' dress codes

As an aside, I recall WAITRESS's opening night dress code calling for 'diner chic' - most people just wore dark suits and cocktail dresses :)

 

[asmith0307]

Posted: 2/17/17 at 11:51pm

Just asked around, and they apparently mean straight black tie. Have fun!

[HogansHero]

Posted: 2/18/17 at 11:21am

Having already proven themselves to be tone deaf, the producers can "mean" whatever they want, but will not get it. I would wear a tux, but I would not expect everyone to, and there will certainly be folks present in outfits that are neither "straight" nor "black tie." Dress up, but dress up as you see fit.

[Cape Twirl of Doom]

Posted: 2/18/17 at 10:46pm

I've been to many Broadway openings, some of which have been black tie, like Sunset Boulevard for example, and you would certainly not look overdressed in a tuxedo. However you would not look out of place in a nice suit either. I have seen all kinds of looks, from full length ballgowns to wildly patterned suits w/ shorts. It depends on your fashion sense, just make an effort to look nice and it'll be fine.