Plan Your Night

How to get here

We have had many inquiries about parking and the opening of the arena this fall. With the anticipation of a busier uptown, we are committed to making it easy for you to attend the opera. Please click here for directions and instructions about where to park.

Five-star dining with Opera Carolina

Join us for a pre-performance dinner or brunch exquisitely prepared by Townsend's Gourmet Cuisine and a special preview of the opera. Look for your special invitation in the mail. A subscriber only benefit! Call 704.332.7177 x210 or email natalija@operacarolina.org for more information or visit us online at operacarolina.org. A small fee will apply.

All offers are subject to availability.

Uptown Restaurants & Featured Promotions

Opera Carolina 2006/2007 Season... your passport to the vibrant cultures and culinary delights of Japan, Italy, Spain, the Mediterranean and United Kingdom!

Click here for a listing of restaurants and promotion dates.

All offers are subject to availability.

Accomodations

All offers are subject to availability.

Holiday Inn
230 North College Street (Between 5th & 6th Street)
0.1 miles from the Performing Arts Center
704.335.5400

Two Opera Packages Available:
1. Package I: Overnight stay for two, dinner for two, and parking. $159.99
2. Package II: Overnight stay for two, breakfast for two, and parking. $119.99

The Dunhill Hotel
237 N Tryon Street
704.332.4141

Visit Charlotte's historical treasure where "The Quality for our Service is the Ultimate Amenity." Pre-theater Package: $199.00 for a Standard Queen Room. Rate is valid for performance evenings only. Includes Overnight Accommodations and 3 course pre-theater dinner for 2 between 5:30 & 7:30pm.

Etiquette FAQ

What should I wear to the opera?

The opera is a special place where you can really dress up and go glamorous, if you want! You will see everything from formal wear, cocktail dress to pant suits, tuxes to business suits for evening performances. Sunday matinees you generally see more casual sport jackets and dresses. Your opera experience is what you make of itâ Opera is for everyone!

How will I understand what people are singing?

English translations of the lyrics (titles) are projected on a screen above the stage as they are sung. Also a full synopsis of the opera is provided online and in the evening's program.

Can I bring children?

Opera Carolina encourages children ages 6 or older to attend performances. Beyond that, it is every parentâ responsibility to decide whether his or her child is of an age to appreciate the performance. When bringing a child to the opera, it is helpful to explain the story in advance and instruct them on proper audience behavior. If you want to expose your school-aged child to the world of opera, we strongly suggest you look into our extensive Education & Outreach programs which are geared to children of different ages.

How long does the opera last?

Running times vary per opera, but most run approximately 2 and 1/2 to 3 hours in length, like most Broadway musicals. Please call Opera Carolina at 704.332.7177 for a specific opera, run time.

Is there an intermission?

Yes. Opera Carolina has two intermissions for most three-act operas, and a single intermission for two-act operas.

What if I'm late?

Opera Carolina has a late seating policy. Latecomers will not be admitted to the theater until intermission or on rare occasions when the conductor has designated an appropriate interval for seating. Opera Carolina will have television monitors on each level of the lobby with a live feed of the performance that patrons can view until seated. Please note that Opera Carolina makes every effort to start each opera at the published start time.

When should I clap?

At the end of big arias and, of course, at the final curtain calls. Feel free to shout out "Bravo!" (for a male performer), "Brava!" (for a female performer) or "Bravi!" (for an ensemble), singers love an appreciative audience!

Anything else I should know?

Please remain quiet from the time the orchestra begins to play so that everyone around you can enjoy the music. Please do not open candy or gum wrappers, talk to your neighbor, or use your cell phone/pager during the performance. Be sure to turn off your pager, watch alarm and phone when you enter the theater. Please do not sing along, tap in time, get up and move around or try to read your program while the performance is in progress, it is distracting to the people around you.