Portland Opera

Dear Portland Opera,
I recognize there is an old-​line opera policy of locking people out during intermission if they have the misfortune of having a weak bladder and need to use the restroom during an act. This is a stodgy and anachronistic policy but it’s your right. However, please please please announce this very clearly in advance of the show– perhaps in larger than 6-​point font on the playbills. Or maybe on the screen above or in the pre-​show announcements or at one of the many staffed checkpoints at the entrances to the theater… We had a scare when a vulnerable member of our group left for the restroom and disappeared without explanation for over an hour. This resulted in several of our group going to look for her and also missing the first act. This performance was at the Keller, which does not traditionally have this policy of not allowing a return to seats. The staff were not kind or patient in explaining the policy but rather curt and abrupt about it. We were not rude and did not push the issue, because they are in an unfortunate position as well, I assume.
However, I left feeling sad because I managed to lure friends and loved ones who have never seen an opera in the hopes of kindling a love of the art. Instead, our party left feeling embarrassed and alienated for not knowing archaic rules or being opera insiders.
I wouldn’t ask you to change longstanding tradition but please be considerate of newcomers. Also, please recognize that many of your attendees bring children and older patrons who may require some supervision. I can only imagine the distress of a parent whose child disappears for over an hour after the trip to the bathroom leaving behind her personal items and cell phone… The performance was lovely. However, experiences like ours dissuade newcomers from supporting the opera.

I just heard the amazing opera ‘Carmen’ and I have to say that I was blown away by the staging and performance. It seemed like half of Portland was on stage that night.
What I really like about the Portland Opera is their willingness to give discounted tickets to poor students like me. It really makes me want to support them.
I initially heard the Portland Opera rehearsing during an outside performance near the fox theater. It was really cool to see everyone without makeup and to hear how an actual rehearsal went. Very passionate people singing their hearts out!

Support this amazing organization. They are always putting together some remarkable feat and the ticket prices are pretty reasonable as well!

Last Sunday afternoon attended the Portland Opera company’s preview of its soon-​to-​open production of Don Giovanni. With only a (VERY talented) pianist to accompany each performer (there were 4 total), these young professionals treated some 100+ of us to a real «carrot-​on-​a-​stick» teaser sampling of what to expect when the full-​scale production opens this coming weekend. To help the audience understand the story line and the background of each vocal performance, the pianist provided a succinct and entertaining summary. Can’t wait to see the full production!

Just got home from seeing Pagliachi paired with Carmina Burana and I am flying high. Amazing artistry from beginning to end.
Portland Opera is one of the better companies in the country.

It’s the only truly professional opera company in the Portland area, and the lead singers are the top international stars. This season includes some user-​friendly productions for first-​timers. One star knocked off for the crappy Keller Auditorium.
Nevertheless, it’s fun to say that you have been to the opera, so everyone should try it at least once.
They also run a Broadway series, for those musical-​theater-​lovers.