Is there anything more enjoyable than a date night at the opera?
Wait! Hold on! I know that you probably ran screaming after reading the word “Opera,” but hear me out…
Miami’s Top Couples Therapists Date Idea: A Night at The Florida Grand Opera
Believe it or not, Florida Grand Opera can make for a fantastic date idea in Miami. I’ve been going for years and have a few secrets of making it much more enjoyable than what you probably imagine right now!
Let’s get this out of the way: Your wife is probably going to like this way more than you, and that’s ok. Keep in mind that you’re going to score big points if you are the husband and float this idea first. Consider this a dare to try it once. If you don’t like it, you can vent and write me a negative comment on this blog. You might surprise yourself!
The first step is to go to the Florida Grand Opera website to view this season’s schedule.
My First Time at the Opera
My first opera was Barber of Seville, long before the Arsht Center ever opened. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. From the music to the spectacle, it was a sight to behold.
The following year, I surprised my wife with season tickets for our anniversary. Since then, we’ve purchased them every year for over seven years. I pre-pay for four dates upfront, with money left in the budget for dinner and babysitter.
The dress code is very flexible, so you don’t have to go super formal if you don’t want to. You can keep it simple with jeans and a shirt, or go big with a dress and a tuxedo. My wife and I make it a point to dress up for at least one opera every year, simply because it breaks the monotony of a regular date night.
One thing that many people who have never been to the opera before are surprised by is the price: It’s only $21 for seats in the upper balcony! Even less if you buy the four-opera subscription! I love the subscription because it forces me to see operas that I don’t know. That is where the real adventure is!
For your first opera, start with something popular like Carmen, Madam Butterfly, or Rigoletto. They are all excellent ways to get your feet wet.
When you go to the movies, you simply relax and let the film sweep you away. You don’t want to know the ending because spoilers ruin the whole experience. Opera is exactly the opposite. You read the story in the program to get the play-by-play first. That way, you can more deeply appreciate the singing, stage, costumes, and props.
The beauty of an opera date, as compared with other forms of entertainment, is that you have to work for it. It requires an effort, and that effort can bring the two of you together. Trying something new like this will give you a new topic to discuss with your partner.
Arrive Early
My first bit of advice is to try not to cut it too close to showtime. They do close the doors when the show starts and will hold you outside until the first intermission so you don’t interrupt the experience of the audience.
On top of that, parking costs escalate the closer it gets to showtime. Once I was late and had to pay an additional $25 for valet parking. I promised myself I would never do that again! Believe me, you will save a lot of time and enjoy the opera more by being there one hour in advance. You can have a drink at the bar, read the program, get comfortable, and even attend the pre-show lecture (more on that later)!
Park on the Street
Being early means there is on-street parking for around $7 with the Park Mobile app. For comparison, the parking lots nearby start at $15, increasing to $30 as you get closer to showtime. Street parking also provides you with the fastest exit after the show, as you do not get caught in the parking lot exit line when the area is crawling with cops and crossing guards.
I know it might be tempting to go for the parking lots, but honestly, they don’t really offer any more safety. The street also has paved sidewalks if your date likes high heels. Those parking lots are gravel shoe eaters!
If you’re tempted to go for valet parking, be warned. It’s great for the drop-off, but you will wait 40 minutes or more to get your car after the show. That’s why I will never do that again!
Attend the Preview Lecture
When you get to the Arsht Center an hour before the show, you will have the opportunity to watch Justin Moss give a 20-minute history lesson on that evening’s opera. None of the information shared is in the program.
I have found that I enjoy the history lesson, learning about the politics of the day that inspired the artist in the opera. Some operas were flops where they debuted and have lived on long after the composer passed. On top of this, learning about the inside jokes ahead of time makes watching the opera so much more fun! Today’s audience will miss them without the background history.
You also learn about the conventions of the opera, such as a “Trouser Role,” a woman soprano dressed as a man to sing the high notes.
Shoot a Selfie
The Arsht Center has a beautiful view of downtown Miami, harbor, and cruise terminal. This makes it the perfect spot to take a selfie as the sun sets, and again at the end of the night. If you go to the opera on opening night, the people watching from the balcony is spectacular! My wife and I particularly enjoy watching the older crowd come in with their fabulous dresses.
Read the Plot and Subtitles
Once you are in the theatre, you can sit down, grab a program, and read the plot summary for each act of the opera. Reading ahead makes it easier to follow along as the characters sing. You can also learn more about the performers from their bios.
My advice would be to double-check the language and use the subtitles, then listen carefully to identify the words as they sing, especially the repeated refrains. If you speak any Spanish, then Italian Operas will likely be much easier for you to understand due to the language’s similarities. I always read the English and the Spanish Translation and then listen for similar words in Italian when sung. Eventually, you should be able to pick up on the refrain, as well.
Enjoy the Music
Compared to what you tend to listen to on Spotify or Apple Music, the opera is a different genre of music. But before the end of the night, I promise that you suddenly have this moment. You’ll be sitting there and, all of a sudden, you will be filled with a sense of awe and wonderment when you realize the performers are singing on the stage without the help of a microphone and speakers. That is their true, authentic voice!
And if you want to maintain that sense of awe, I recommend listening to more opera on one of the music streaming services for extra credit!
Read the Emotions
The first homework assignment I give my patients is to listen to your partner and try to find the feeling underneath the spoken words. Opera is also a great place to practice that. Try to find the emotional under the words and tone of the music. What emotions does the singing spark in you? Do you feel a connection with the performer? Why or why not?
Sometimes you will, and sometimes you won’t. I have cried at one production of an opera, but not at another. You have to allow it in and surrender to the music. It’s like surfing; the waves wash over you until you get up to speed a little bit, and then it completely takes you away!
As you can tell, I’m somewhat of an opera buff! If you’re a current patient or would like a free consultation, I’d love for you and your spouse to share your thoughts with me about the opera. It might not be for everyone, but I bet that if you give it a chance, you may find a brand-new date idea that you both love!
What an awesome date idea. Seeing an opera is something that a lot of people never get the chance to experience. I would love to go so whenever I get a chance to with my spouse, I will suggest this. Thank you for providing terrific details.