Treat Yourself to an Opera – and Popcorn!

My Mother’s Day weekend treat was five hours of bliss – and not in a pricey salon or spa. I went to the opera at my local movie theater.

The Metropolitan Opera in New York City broadcasts its performances live in HD, simulcast on movie screens across the country, about once a month during its regular season (October to May).

The tickets are spendy – $25 in my area – but worth every penny.

Thanks to my New York-dwelling son, I’ve been lucky enough to dress up and see live Met operas twice in recent years, and what a thrill to be there in person! But nothing quite compares to the Met in HD experience.

The cameras onstage allow the movie-going audience to see every detail on every costume. And don’t worry about not speaking German or Italian – as with most operas nowadays, supertitles translate every line at the bottom of the screen.

Then, during each intermission, the cameras head backstage for a fascinating behind-the-scenes peek. As seen in the photo above, you watch the scenery being dismantled and/or wheeled into place, and listen to live interviews with the singers, conductor and members of the crew.

Of course, being at the movies also simplifies the practical aspects of opera-going, like the ability to get up and use the restroom whenever you want, or munch on popcorn and sip a soft drink mid-aria. Much appreciated!

This is also the perfect way to introduce opera to newcomers. I highly recommend the Met Live in HD. Next year’s season begins Oct. 7 with Vincenzo Bellini's Norma. I'll be there!