Opening Night - What is it like?

[Alzarian]

Posted: 3/4/26 at 10:56pm

I will be attending the opening night performance of Schmigadoon, not intentionally. It just happened to be a show i wanted to see on the weekend I will be in New York.

I've never attended an opening night performance on Broadway and was just curious how it may differ from a typical performance. I presume everyone dresses up a bit more and there is likely to a but more electricity and enthusiasm.

Anyway. As this will be my first opening night, but not my first Broadway show, I was just curious if anyone had any nuggets of knowledge to share about to expect.

[Ensemble17591322022]

Posted: 3/4/26 at 11:13pm

There will be some kind of opening night carpet going on, but that’s usually only for people on the media list. Although for this show, depending on turnout, they may let others get their photos taken. 

The show will likely not start on time. You’ll get a Playbill with a gold sticker on it. 

The opening party will be for invited guests only, although again, with this show you may just be able to ask the publicity team if they have any extra invites. Perhaps they’ll need people to increase the numbers. Those sliders aren’t going to eat themselves! 

Updated On: 3/4/26 at 11:13 PM

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 3/4/26 at 11:21pm

Alzarian said: "I will be attending the opening night performance of Schmigadoon, not intentionally. It just happened to be a show i wanted to see on the weekend I will be in New York.

I've never attended an opening night performance on Broadway and was just curious how it may differ from a typical performance. I presume everyone dresses up a bit more and there is likely to a but more electricity and enthusiasm.

Anyway. As this will be my first opening night, but not my first Broadway show, I was just curious if anyone had any nuggets of knowledge to share about to expect."

Schmigadoon is selling tickets to their opening night? That’s interesting. Although I have seen this in the past and even shows onTKTS for opening night. But this early is a bit odd. Anyway, the stars, producers and anyone invites to the opening party in the audience will be dressed up. Regular audience members will probably not be. I was invited to an opening night with party to follow last season and my seat was front mezzanine. Pretty much everyone in front orchestra and front mezzanine was dressed up. People in the back sections were wearing whatever- often shorts and tee shirts. Be prepared for the show to start very late. I’ve never been to an opening night that started less than 20 minutes late. You’ll probably come in contact with various celebrities. Have a good time. 

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 3/4/26 at 11:25pm

Ensemble17591322022 said: "There will be some kind of opening night carpet going on, but that’s usually only for people on the media list. Although for this show, depending on turnout, they may let others get their photos taken.

The show will likely start on time. You’ll get a Playbill with a gold sticker on it.

The opening party will be for invited guests only, although again, with this show you may just be able to ask the publicity team if they have any extra invites. Perhaps they’ll need people to increase the numbers. Those sliders aren’t going to eat themselves!"

What opening night starts on time? I’ve probably been to 50 or more opening nights and not a single one of them has ever started on time. Not even close to on time. 

[Ensemble17591322022]

Posted: 3/4/26 at 11:26pm

Thanks and aorry, that meant to say “likely not start on time.” Will edit. 

Updated On: 3/4/26 at 11:26 PM

[uncageg]

Posted: 3/4/26 at 11:46pm

If you want to star gaze a bit, get there early and maybe stand across the street and watch the red carpet arrivals if it is visible. Definitely walk through the lobby at intermission. You most likely bump into celebrity attendees. I have had quick chats on opening nights with some great celebs both Broadway performers and film and TV. 

It's a fun night. Lots of energy and it probably won't start on time. I have never attended one either that has started on time. It takes forever to break up the chatting/schmoozing in the lobby and get people seated. And at the end, you will probably get all of the speeches from the creatives. 

Have fun! It's a special night. And dress up if you want, it's an opening night! 

[pinktonyclub]

Posted: 3/4/26 at 9:33pm

I think you mean you’re going to first preview, not opening night. April 4, right?

[Alzarian]

Posted: 3/4/26 at 9:58pm

Yes. My mistake. Apparently the show has performances before it opens... okay, so first preview... nothing too special happens i gather.

[CJRochester]

Posted: 3/4/26 at 10:12pm

First previews are exciting. I've attended three. There's a lot of energy and buzz in the audience. Some shows give out a first preview gift to everyone there. For Dear Evan Hansen we were given a light blue baseball cap with the show logo as we walked out. Some of the cast autographed my cap, instead of the Playbill. 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/4/26 at 11:53pm

Alzarian said: "Yes. My mistake. Apparently the show has performances before it opens... okay, so first preview... nothing too special happens i gather."

Preview performances begin April 4, 2026.

Opening Night is April 20, 2026

[quizking101]

Posted: 3/5/26 at 12:07am

First previews can be just as exciting as opening nights.

My opening night story, though, was Purlie Victorious. It was on sale and I got $74 rear mezzanine since there were still tickets left after all the celebrities and guests got theirs. I got as dressed up as I could (blazer and dress shirt with nice jeans). The performance was wonderful. The red carpet happens sometimes an hour or two before the show (at least if you want to see the actors in the show in their finery).

I did a little stargazing beforehand inside the theatre, but kept it respectful and mostly just politely nodded or a basic greeting - didn’t ask for autographs or anything since I wasn’t inclined and because that seems intrusive. I did see Samuel L. & LaTanya Jackson, as well as Laurence Fishburne. Had a good chat with Justin Guarini (Once Upon… had just closed), and reunited with some people from FAT HAM (since I saw that show a lot).

The only true time I geeked out was when Hannah Waddingham walked by me rocking the wet look and this beautiful gown and I swore I turned straight for about 2.8 seconds because she’s a tall Amazonian goddess who was runway ready (never watched Ted Lasso - just loved her SPAMALOT clips). I took a selfie with her and she was absolutely lovely