What is opera, and what's the difference between it and Broadway?

Opera is a drama, sung by highly trained singers and accompanied by an orchestra. Opera has been described as the Olympics of music due to the extreme demands it places on the musicians and the talent required to perform it. Singers are in costume and perform on a stage set. Some operas are tragic in theme; others are comedic. Many mix elements of comedy and tragedy.

Broadway musicals and opera are actually very similar. Some purists believe that the primary difference is that Broadway musicals include spoken dialogue whereas opera productions are sung entirely throughout. However, there are many operas which include spoken dialogue (Mozart's The Magic Flute for example), and there are many Broadway musicals that are sung throughout (Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera for example). The largest distinction, then, between Broadway musicals and opera is amplification. In a Broadway musical, all of the singers are amplified with the use of microphones while in opera singers are not amplified at all - it is simply the sound of their voice that carries throughout an auditorium.

Some people think opera is an elitist art form for a select few. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The stories of opera are often of the poor and neglected. They often portray the struggles of regular people in their daily lives. Love, hate, jealousy, loss, and redemption are common themes that relate to us all. When these themes are set to some of the greatest music of all time, you've got a powerful art form indeed.

What do I wear?

Remember the Bugs Bunny cartoons? There was always a lady decked out in furs and jewels. But those were cartoons, and now they're old cartoons. These days, just about anything works. You won't see people in jeans (well, maybe a couple), but some men wear casual shirts and slacks while others wear suits or tuxes. Women wear slacks or dresses. Very few come in evening gowns. If you wish to dress up, you'll feel very comfortable, and if you wish to wear your favorite corduroys, you'll feel very comfortable as well.

How long is an opera?

Most operas last about two hours - but they can be anywhere from an hour and a half to nearly four hours. There is anywhere from one to three 15-minute intermissions, depending on the length of the production.

Can I bring my young children?

This depends on a number of things including the age and maturity level of the child and the specific opera in production. Young children often don't have the patience to sit through a lengthy production, and some operas have adult themes that may be confusing or inappropriate for young children. However, many children enjoy opera and attend every year. Parents often make the Sunday matinee performance a family affair. You may wish to learn the plot of the opera and a little about the characters before you go. Or, have a story-telling session first, so when the bad guy with the funny hair comes out, your children will recognize him. You may also wish to check the public library or a book or media store for a recording of the opera you plan to attend. Children (and adults!) are often amused by the antics in opera. If they do get restless, feel free to take them to the lobby to stretch their legs. You may not be allowed back into the hall until the next act, however. Another alternative is the "crying room." Two of these glassed in spaces exist for the use of parents with babies and children who might disrupt the performance. They can't be heard from the crying room.

Do you have any programs for youth?

Yes - we have a very active education and outreach program with many wonderful opportunities for youth.

Can I audition for the FMO?

Chorus auditions are held approximately two months before each production. For more information regarding chorus or leading and supporting role auditions, please contact artistic director David Hamilton.

 

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