Help an Opera Neophyte out

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 10:30am

Please.

Short backstory: I have not, in the past, enjoyed opera.  Admittedly, I have only seen parts of filmed operas.  After a tour last year of the Met, I am actually intrigued and want to try it!

On another thread, I rec'd recommendations for which operas to try, but unfortunately none of those are playing the weekend I'm going to be in NY.  

Of the operas available to me, which would you recommend?

The Exterminating Angel (the one that jumps out at me from the description)

Turandot

Thais

Any insight you could provide would be helpful, and I would be attending with my 17yo son.  (Who has never seen opera, either, but does have relatively sophisticated taste.)  And any info you think might be useful to us in general (how dressy is one expected to be, for example) would be greatly appreciated.

Lastly, any thoughts on seating would also be greatly appreciated.  How bad ARE the box seats?

 

TIA

 

[Cat Guy]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 10:41am

Turandot.  I have seen it (and loved it) three times.  Grand opera at its grandest.  Here is a sampling of what you will hear.

 

 

[markypoo]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 10:47am

I heard Thais at Lyric Opera of Chicago back in 2003; with Renée Fleming and Thomas Hampton duking it out vocally.

Marvelous!

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 11:02am

That is a hard choice to make for you without knowing more about you, the operas are so different as are their productions.

It would be like you said you were neophyte to Musicals and could see "My Fair Lady", "The light in the Piazza" or "Spring Awakening". Depending upon your tastes you might like only one or all three.

Edited because I forgot a few things_

I love dressing for the opera but it doesn't seem to matter any more.

Box seats  depends upon how close to the stage they are, but most do have limitted visibility, especiall in the second row. If you go to balcony or family circle, which I thik have the best sound in the house, yet are least expensive, bring Opera Glasses.

Updated On: 10/14/17 at 11:02 AM

[carnzee]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 11:06am

I haven't heard the new opera version of Exterminating Angel, but I wouldn't suggest seeing a modern opera if you are new to opera. The music in modern opera tends to alienate even opera buffs. But of course that's a generalization.

I love Turandot, and I love that classic Met production. I'd see that.

I think Thais has some pretty music, but I haven't heard the whole thing. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 11:15am

Thank you, so far, for your thoughts, they are interesting things to consider, indeed.

 

And yes, Marc, I agree....but the ideas being generated here give me food for thought to help make a decision.  I appreciate all the comments.  Hopefully, just knowing we have little experience with Opera, will be "something" to stand for.

[Rinaldo]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 11:17am

Of the three you listed, I would choose Turandot. It's a simple but effective story, the pacing is in tune with modern tastes (it moves along), the music is appealing and colorful. And the production has become a classic: some have called it overly splashy but I don't -- it fits the regal fairy-tale story, and you'll definitely feel you had your money's worth. It makes a great first opera (it was mine, decades ago in Chicago).

You'll see a full range of dress. Some still like to dress up a bit, but it isn't at all mandatory (or even common, probably).

[JennH]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 11:19am

If you're taking your son as you say, Mozart operas are always a good first choice!!!! But as cliche as it sounds, my two favorite operas are La Traviata (basically the predecessor to Moulin Rouge)and Lucia di Lammermoor. These are the more "adult" ones, and are pretty easy to understand, without knowing the story or language. I always will say go through the synopsis a bit beforehand anyway before seeing anything.

[Mike Costa]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 11:46am

Turandot is the most lavish production in the history of The Met.  It is one of the few  Zefferilli productions that remain and the music is glorious every moment.  It along with Mr Zefferilli's La Boheme, are arguably the most beautiful pieces of theater ever to be on any stage in New York. Look at the videos of both.

 

No need to spend the money on the box seats.  Any area below Family Circle is fine.

It will take your breath away no matter where you sit.

[AC126748]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 11:47am

Of the three choices, I would go for Thais. The Met's production, while not extraordinary, is grand and fun for a first opera. The cast for this upcoming revival is strong. It's not a well-known opera, but it's easily digestible for a first-timer. 

I could do well to never gaze upon the tired chinoiserie of the Met's Turandot again, and the current revival is not particularly well cast. 

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 12:18pm

Hi. 

 

Im a self-diagnosed opera junkie (see about 10 to 15 performances at the Met each season and travel regularly for opera). 

Having seen each of the productions you listed (I was in Salzburg for the Prima of Exterminating Angel), I have to say that EA is the best choice of that lot.  Thais is a slog to get through, especially the relatively new Met production (though this season's cast is very impressive, perhaps warrenting a return visit). Turandot is beloved by many, but I find it to be one of the most blah operas currently in the popular rep (bombastic with very few worthwhile or memorable musical passages).  I will admit that the Met production is quite opulent. 

EA on the other hand is haunting and the music quite lyrical, especially for modern opera.  I wasn't familiar with the source material going in (the same Sondheim is using for his new musical), but that didn't matter. The story of trapped isolation is pretty common in theater (think a Delicate Balance...but more interesting). My only caveat is the opera can be quite intense with a lot of adult themes, so it might not be the best choice for your son.  

As for the boxes, I used to regularly sit in the balcony boxes when I was an opera neophyte. First, do not chose the rear portions of the boxes (2 seats together) but instead chose the front portion that accommodates 4 seats. It's somewhat counterintuitive, but the best boxes are the ones furthest away from the stage. Be warned though, they will be partial view and you'll miss about a quarter of the stage. That matters more for Turandot but not really for EA or Thais. Dress circle boxes, while a little bit more expensive, have substantially better sight lines.  Grand circle and parterre...well, you might as well just sit in the orchestra at those prices (which I prefer over any of the boxes). 

Hope this helps!  If the opera bug continues, I'd highly suggest Elektra in the winter (fantastic cast and conductor and the Patrice Cheareu production is breathtaking). Happy operagoing! Feel free to message me if you have other questions. 

Updated On: 10/14/17 at 12:18 PM

[musikman]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 12:36pm

^ because Signore ascolta, non piangere Liù, In questa reggia, nessun dorma, Tu, che di gel sei cinta are just totally not worthwhile or memorable *sassy side eye*

Turandot, like most Puccini operas, are great choices to be your first! They're relatively short, the action moves along, the plots are often not silly or ridiculous like many other operas.  The music and productions are also appropriately grand.

La Bohème is also playing this month and is highly suggest that, too.  Each act is very short, the music is beautiful, and you'll maybe even enjoy making comparisons to Rent.  It's a very popular "first fine" opera. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 3:04pm

Oh!  I HAVE seen La Boheme....when it was on b'way...2003?   I hated it.  But to be fair it was obnoxiously COLD in the theater (march or april) and I don't like Rent.  (And even if I did, it's not playing the weekend I'm in town - as I said.)

 

Again, thank you to all that have offered thoughts....a lot to think about.  (And a boy to convince!)

 

Play Esq.....sending you a pm!

[wonkit]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 4:53pm

As someone who came to opera relatively late, two suggestions since your 17 y o son hasn't gone before: go for a shorter one first because opera is a demanding form of entertainment. With constant music and dialogue (thank goodness for MetTitles), you have to pay close attention. Second, don't go in cold. At the very least, have him read a detailed synopsis and learn the characters' names; listen to as much of the opera as possible with a libretto so that you know how it comes together. 

I don't know Exterminating Angel but I am NOT a fan of modern opera generally. Turandot is huge and spectacular but always feels long to me. There are some incredible pieces of music there, if you can wait through the lesser bits. I saw Thais years and years ago with Beverly Sills and Sherrill Milnes. I loved it but I can't tell if the opera was any good or the singers were so excellent that I didn't care. 

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 5:08pm

Can't comment on Exterminating Angel because it's new and I didn't see the production they did elsewhere. I'm planning to see Thais but maybe after your visit. So Turandot. It's great. Puccini's music is fairly "accessible" as far as opera goes. The production is lavish. Unfortunately the casting isn't accurate for an opera set in China for most of the dates but what can you do? 

I will also say that as you get up there (the higher tiers in the opera house) you can dress more casually. Though I do see nonsense people once in a while wearing elaborate outfits up at the top. You're sitting in the Family Circle. What are you trying to prove? It's not a T-shirt and jeans place but a sweater and pants would be fine. You don't need to be in a suit or a gown regardless of the tier unless you want to be. Do arrive a little early (don't cut it close) because there's always a line and they do start pretty close to on time.

I've never been in a box seat. But the front of the Family Circle is great. Unless you're behind a giant, the sight lines are great. Bring binoculars if you're higher up. I would try to sit in the main section of the house instead of on the sides because it's not like theater. Most of it is played straight on.

[A Director]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 5:23pm

Of the three operas, I would pick the shortest.  Turandot and Thais are 3 hours, EA is 2 hours 41 minutes. It's in two acts.

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 5:45pm

Turandot and La Boheme, to me, are the two best productions that the Met has.

The Exterminating Angel from what I've seen sounds really weird and looks even weirder.

As to your question about the boxes- I would caution against sitting in the rear of any box unless it's on the Parterre level.

Updated On: 10/14/17 at 05:45 PM

[chuckydisc]

Posted: 10/14/17 at 9:18pm

dramamama611 said: "Of the operas available to me, which would you recommend?

The Exterminating Angel (the one that jumps out at me from the description)

Turandot

Thais

Any insight you could provide would be helpful, and I would be attending with my 17yo son."

What's your total budget for the opera pair of tickets?

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/15/17 at 8:27am

I'd like to keep it between a hundred and a hundred fifty.

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 10/15/17 at 11:19am

carnzee said: "I haven't heard the new opera version of Exterminating Angel, but I wouldn't suggest seeing a modern opera if you are new to opera. The music in modern opera tends to alienate even opera buffs. But of course that's a generalization.

I love Turandot, and I love that classic Met production. I'd see that.

I think Thais has some pretty music, but I haven't heard the whole thing."

carnzee is certainly right about many 20th century operas, especially those by Schoenberg and his followers.

But the pendulum has swung, and the most popular 21st century operas, including those by Previn and Heggye, are much more accessible, musically and dramatically.

I don't know EXTERMINATING ANGEL and can't find a copy to sample. The excerpts of Ades work I do find don't seem atonal to me, but they lack the lyricism of Puccini.

THAIS was the first live opera I saw (a friend of a friend was in it), and even though I was only 15 or so, I enjoyed it immensely. Some gorgeous melodies (one of which Jerome Kern borrowed partly for his song "Serenade" in THE STUDENT PRINCE).

But everyone I know in New York has been raving about the Met's production of TURANDOT. The score is practically operetta (i.e., easier on the ear) and contains the most popular aria in the world of late. And it literally rains gold on stage.

Bottom line: you can't go wrong with Puccini.

(Edited because I've never seen so many typos in a post! Good thing I wasn't drinking, just tired.)

Updated On: 10/16/17 at 11:19 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/15/17 at 12:01pm

Again, THANK YOU all.  My son and chose to see Turandot.  Our seats are pretty far away, so we know to bring some opera glasses.  He was very impressed with the pictures I showed him.    

Updated On: 10/15/17 at 12:01 PM

[chuckydisc]

Posted: 10/15/17 at 1:04pm

dramamama611 said: "Again, THANK YOU all. My son and chose to see Turandot. Are seats are pretty far away, so we know to bring some opera glasses. He was very impressed with the pictures I showed him. "

Did you purchase Balcony Prime section seats? 

 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/15/17 at 1:37pm

No. Family Circle, row c.

[Mike Costa]

Posted: 10/15/17 at 2:19pm

This opera and this production are part of our culture even if the castingis not what others desire. The others you mentioned are not even in the ballpark.  You made the right decision for a first opera. Be sure to wander the house during intermissions.

[sinister teashop]

Posted: 10/15/17 at 2:35pm

I agree that you made the right decision with TURANDOT. 

I am personally very much looking forward to THE EXTERMINATING ANGEL.