Questions about attending an opening night of a B'way show

[new_philosophy_girl]

This Sunday I am going to the opening night of Talk Radio and I am basically wondering what to expect. Has anyone been to an opening night? How should I dress? Can I expect to meet any of them at the stage door? Any insight would be helpful...

[WalkOn]

Dress to the nines! And have a great time.

[HumATune]

Not a Broadway opening night, but I went to the opening night of the LEGALLY BLONDE tryout. This is one time when I say DEFINITELY dress up. Also don’t gawk at the Broadway stars and other famous people you’ll see there. Also remember that night is about the cast of TALK RADIO, not anyone else. Sutton Foster was a few feet away from me at one point, and although I would have loved to talk to her, she was not in LEGALLY BLONDE, so that night wasn’t about her or disturbing her.

[JumpJumpJumpSoHigh]

Yeah, if people dressed up that much for the Blonde opening in California (and lordy, they did!), I'd say go all out for a Broadway opening!

(HumATume, I love your sig!)

~JJJ

[D2]

Opening Night is definitely dress up time. And it is NOT a night to do the stage door, unless you've been invited backstage and your name is on the list - there will probably be barricades up anyway.

[munkustrap178]

I've been to dozens of Broadway openings and I have never worn more than a suit.

Depending on the show, you can dress up, or you can dress down. For TABOO, I sure as hell didn't wear a suit.

For NEVER GONNA DANCE, I did.

Wear whatever you want. People wear everything from gowns to jeans.

[theaterdude87]

Totally dress up and have a good time. Personally I would not attack celebrities but I do not see any harm in saying hello to them. It think it would look more awakward if you "pretended" to ignore them.

[HumATune]

...think it would look more awakward if you "pretended" to ignore them.

That's why you have to perfect your poker face, or just walk away if you feel you're going to stare.

And JJJ that was the best BLONDE review evah!

[teka21]

I've attended quite a number of B'way opening nights and after parties. If you are not a celebrity who will be the focus of camera attention, it is not necessary to get dressed up like it's prom night in a gown or tux. Dress as if you're going out for special dinner in an upscale restaurant with jacket required.
BTW, I've also seen plenty of "show people" come in jeans...

[munkustrap178]

I second everything that TEKA said.

It's tacky to come dressed in a prom dress or tux if you have nothing to do with the show. I think.

[courtnyj]

I agree--If you dress up too much you'll probably attract attention...and not in a good way.

[new_philosophy_girl]

Thanks guys for the insight. I definitely am not planning on wearing anything too fancy, I have a nice simple black dress that I figured would be good. The only reason I asked about stagedoor is because I wanted to give flowers to Eric Bogosian, but I guess it would be more approriate to just send them to the theater and he can get them that way. Thanks again everyone!!

[AC126748]

If you just want to give flowers, leave them with the stage door manager before the show with a note.

[stonewall2]

Dress it up and show it off!

[Dover]

Usually the invitation will say something about what kind of dress is expected. A lot of times it will say something totally vague like "dress smart" when they don't want to narrow it down to black tie, or jacket and tie, etc. Basically if you look good, it doesn't matter what pieces make up your outfit. And of course the people in the show and associated with the show will usually wear the more outrageous outfits.

[Bobo2]

I've gone to a couple of opening night shows and have worn a tie. I thought the best part was watching the people also there to see the show and to see if I knew any of them.

[LittleFish8386]

I too am going to the opening night of Talk Radio (I love Stephanie March). However, I'm leaving Ithaca NY on a bus around 12:45pm and am arriving in the city around 6ish and I was toying with what I should and shouldn't wear and what would be most comfortable for a 5 hour long ride.


I am excited!

[new_philosophy_girl]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the input about what to do/wear/say/etc. on an opening night. I had a blast, although I was a little starstruck at just the sight of the beautiful Naomi Watts.

Opening nights are not what they once were. So you needn't take any special effort to dress up. Just behave yourself in the theatre...no drinking, no eating, no talking during the performance

[courtnyj]

If only every night of theatre could be like opening night! It may not be as glamoruos as it used to, but it sure is fun! The best audiences!

[Demitri2]

I got a great ticket for "Pacific Overtures" for opening night just a week before it opened. Yes, I dressed up. Yes it was the original production. I shared an arm rest with Lisa Kirk. It was my favorite opening night because of the audience reaction at final curtain. The audience just sat there not knowing whether to applaud or not. So at first they didn't. Then slowly a trickle turned into a wave and the actors began bowing. It almost had shades of "Springtime For Hitler"'s first audience shots in the film versions of "The Producers".

[AC126748]

I always at least put a casual blazer on for opening nights. The last one I went to was VOYAGE, and you had everything from people in suits and evening gowns to jeans and polos. I wore a corduroy blazer, slacks and a buttoned shirt. I felt that I was dressed appropriately.