Friday Night, The LA Opera & A Canadian Tuxedo

With a recently freed-up schedule on Saturday due to the cancelled LA Beerathon, I decided to extend Happy Hour with my co-workers.  The sangria and amazing guacamole at Rosa Mexicano's happy hour turned into an enlightening evening at The Falls.

About mid evening, my friend and I introduced ourselves to one of our barmates after we both bet he was an attorney due to his attire.  It turns out we were wrong.  He worked for the LA Opera.

Who better to model the Canadian Tuxedo?

Eventually, our conversation turned to the source of his employment.  We admitted to never having attended an opera, let alone thought of purchasing tickets to the LA Opera. Through our discussion, we learned that we were ignorant about the LA Opera and attending operas in general.  Our silly preconceptions about the opera stemmed from the movies.  Our concerns about the unknown like what we had to wear, whether there were any English translations, and the price of tickets were quickly dismissed. 

Our new friend informed us that any attire was appropriate as long as we purchased a ticket.  We were told that last season a man wearing a "Canadian tuxedo" and sandals happily attended the LA Opera despite his unfortunate fashion choices.  What really topped off the Canadian Tuxedo and elevated it to another level in my imagination, were pleated jeans. 

Additionally, we learned that the LA Opera offers projected English translations  for every opera performance.  The words that are sung are projected above the stage in easy-to-read English text, clearly visible from all seats.  Since it takes longer to sing a sentence than read it, following along is very easy and does not interfere with observing the action on stage.  Further, there are complimentary pre-opera talks in the Grand Hall of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, so that you can become better acquainted with the opera and its story beforehand.  

Next Opera: La Boheme begins May 15, 2012

I think two young attorneys have been convinced to venture out into the world of opera in May to see La Boheme, which is a tragedy based on the lives of four young artists who live in Paris during the 1830s.

I encourage you to do the same!

Photos courtesy of the LA Opera website