Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any "opera rules" I should know about before I go?
Yes! Witty lyrics are bound to make you laugh (please do). Sad endings will move you to tears (bring a handkerchief). Opera stirs the emotions so don't be shy ... laugh, cry and shout Bravo! (for the men) and Brava! (for the ladies).
Is there an etiquette when we're seated and watching the show?
Remember to enjoy yourself. If a scene makes you cry or laugh, if opera stirs your blood - and that is what it is supposed to do - then let yourself go with the show.
Turn off everything that can beep, buzz, ping or ring. How sweet it is to know that nobody can get at you until the show is over.
What do we wear?
Short of shorts and slippers, dress to suit yourself. You will see some suits, a tux or two, cultured pearls, shell lei, muumuu of several lengths, neat aloha shirts. So no matter if you like dolling it up, or taking it easy, you'll fit right in.
What can we expect at a performance?
Open your eyes, your ears and your mind. Opera stories can be about immortal longs, ill-starred love across cultural and religious barriers, and young people outsmarting their elders. (And kids today think they invented that!) Let yourself laugh, and cry and get stretched.
What type of amplification is used?
HOT opera singers are "vocal athletes" who train so that their voices will reach every seat without using microphones.
Are the singers from Hawaii?
Yes and no. Our principal singers or leading roles are filled with the very best established professional opera singers from around the world. Comprimario roles, or supporting cast, include many of our talented local artists. The HOT all-volunteer chorus is comprised of up to 70 local artists.
Where does the scenery come from?
HOT's sets are either built at the company's own scene shop in Kakaako, rented or co-produced with other companies around the world. This season, the Don Carlo set is an original design, co-produced as a collaboration with several opera companies. The Barber of Seville set and Romeo & Juliet set are rented from other companies. Currently, HOT-owned sets originally created for its productions of The Flying Dutchman and La Bohéme are traveling the opera world, generating revenue for the company
Why is Don Carlo considered a HOT premiere?
This production debuts original sets and costumes, specifically designed for HOT before traveling around the world for staging by three co-producing opera companies: Florentine Opera in the Midwest, Vancouver Opera in Canada, and the Beijing Opera in Hong Kong.
Is Barber of Seville the opera Bugs Bunny sang?
Yes! Opera music is frequently featured in many TV programs (including cartoons!), movies and commercial advertising. You may be pleasantly surprised with how familiar this season's opera music may sound to you!
Is the Romeo & Juliet opera the same story written by Shakespeare?
Yes! Enjoy this classic love story set to some of the most beautiful music in the world.