Opening night of a tour

[ashley0139]

Posted: 7/23/06 at 8:38pm

I am seeing Spelling Bee when it comes to Atlanta for a month at the beginning of the tour. I got tickets to the opening night (which is actually a matinee). Does anything special usually happen the opening show of a tour? Special dress or anything? I haven't heard of that kind of stuff happening but I wasn't sure.

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 7/23/06 at 8:41pm

It depends. I don't think there are any general rules on this. For Rent tours, there's generally a party on opening night, by invitation only.

[tourboi]

Posted: 7/23/06 at 10:42pm

It does depend, but more on the presenter in the city than the production.

Most tours have opening parties if they are there for a while. The RENT tour usually has a party if its sitting for 4 days or more. But most of the bigger markets will usually provide a party for the production on its opening.

In Boston, many shows that go into the Colonial are treated to a party in their oh so gorgeous lobby.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 3:47am

Man, I need to get my Spelling Bee tickets. How much were yours?

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 4:10am

Usually opening nights of tours are not so formal. Just be yourself, try to look elegant, but it doesn't have to be formal. By the way, I hope you change your mind and get at least a $ 20 to see Bombay Dreams. What can you lose? Try something new. I loved Spelling Bee too, it's a cute show. Very "Off Broadway" simple and cute.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 4:31am

muscle23ftl is right! Just be your own self! Dress comfortably, if not elegantly (well, we ALWAYS try to dress with some elegance!!).

Nothing really happens for an opening matinee. The Press event is most likely the true opening and a private invite (and if it's the matinee, I'd be surprised!?!). Sometimes shows just stop in to towns with little fanfare.

If you're going backstage or a party afterwards, then you should dress appropriately.

Either way, have fun! Great show...

[ashley0139]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 8:09am

Wait- the matinee isn't the true opening? That stinks! Why is that? Then why would they even have the matinee?

Rentboy- I got them for $45. I actually expected them to be cheaper since it is the alliance and not the Fox.

well, we ALWAYS try to dress with some elegance!!

Of course!

[SakeDad]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 7:10am

This all depends on if the tour is ORIGINATING in Atlanta or if it's just another stop. If it's originating there I assume there is a matinee and an evening, in which case I would say the big opening night party would be after the evening show. However, if it's just another stop on the tour (wondering why you'd open with a matinee if that's the case?) then as said earlier, it's up to the local presenter to throw a party, and most don't bother. Either way, go and have fun, go to the stage door afterwards and meet everyone and maybe you'll get party info there!

[ashley0139]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 7:50am

It is the originating stop of the tour. That's why I was excited to get opening show tickets, but now I am upset that it might not be.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 7:56am

I got tickets to the opening night (which is actually a matinee). Does anything special usually happen

Aww, how cute. Sweetie, they call it opening "night" for a reason.

Updated On: 7/25/06 at 07:56 AM

[Fosse76]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 11:27am

Opening Nights on a tour are considered the press-opening. It's rarely ever the first performance of the show (but that depends on the length of the run, and of course, the city). I'm surprised that RENT has so many opening night parties. That seems rather excessive. Since Atalnta is the opening stop of the Spelling Bee tour, I'd be surprised if it didn't have a big party at some point during the run, though it won't be until after the "official" designated opening night.

And "why" would they have a matinee performance, you ask? Because shows have matinee performances on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, that's why. Should they not have matinees? Though I do confess that I'm surprised their first performance is a matinee.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 12:32pm

I know the point behind a matinee, thank you. I'm just surprised that their first show is a matinee.

ETA: Actually, I don't know for sure it is the press opening or anything, it is just the first show of the tour. I am just really confused about what exactly is going on. Anyone in Atlanta know anything?

Updated On: 7/25/06 at 12:32 PM

[TonyBoundGirl]

Posted: 7/28/06 at 9:45pm

opening night of the spelling bee tour is Wednesday August 30th at 8pm. The tickets are by invitation only for the cast and those involved in the show. You probably got tickets to the first preview which is at 2:30. Check out the web site for the theatre in Atlanta, it lists the dates and times, and if you click on the 30th it won't allow you to buy tickets. Hope this helps. Have fun at the show.

[gustof777]

Posted: 7/28/06 at 9:57pm

let us know what you think of the cast! I'm excited for it to come to Philly!

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 7/28/06 at 9:57pm

Fosse...most cities do not have regularly scheduled weekday matinees, except on certain special weeks.

A good example of tour openings: POTO has Wednesday and Thursday evening shows, and a SPECIAL Thursday matinee to make up for the lost Tuesday show. These are considered the previews. That Friday night is the official opening.