Help an Opera Neophyte out

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

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

Marvelous!

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.

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).

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

No. Family Circle, row c.

I agree that you made the right decision with TURANDOT.

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