Let’s face it: we love everything about opera, but we all have a friend or family member who has no idea what we really do! As opera lovers, we want to share our love for the art. Here are a few ways we can make going to the opera less daunting and more enjoyable for our friends and family members. 

The Language Barrier
If your friends are non-singers, going to an opera that is in a foreign language may not be the best way to get them acquainted with opera. Some plots are hard to follow, and when they are in a different language, it can make things even more confusing. Look for an opera that is in English or a production that is being sung in English instead of its original language. If you can’t find an English opera, find a production with English super- or subtitles so they can follow along with the production.

Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan operas are classics that stand the test of time. They can be a great way to introduce opera to newcomers for many reasons: They are in English, they are usually comedic, and since they are technically operettas, there is dialogue to help better understand the plot. For those newcomers, it may be difficult to sit through a two or three hour, fully sung opera, so the mix of dialogue in the Gilbert and Sullivan can help ease them into the genre. There are also other operettas that you can bring your friends to outside of Gilbert and Sullivan like Die Lustige Witwe and Die Fledermaus, which are often performed in English. 

Comedy 
Everyone loves a good laugh! Comedic operas offer lots of laughs with their silly plot twists and antics of the main characters. It can’t hurt to take a first-time operagoer to see a comedic opera so they can enjoy the beautiful music and the comedy! If you need a suggestion for a fun comedy, take them to one of Mozart comedies and you can’t go wrong. If you don't think Mozart is the way to start off your journey, try the comidic stylings of Rossini, and his Il barbiere di Siviglia. This would also set you up for a second trip to see Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro.

Updated Opera
If you have been watching the Met’s current season, you know the current production of Così fan tutte is updated and set on Coney Island. Sometimes an update to a classic opera can speak to our non-opera loving friends. A more modern production can bring a story to life for those who are not fans of period costumes and historic settings. Being able to relate to the production, or characters can help newcomers get into the opera more than if they didn't know what was going on, and an update to the opera can help the relationship even more!

Operas with Familiar Subjects
Many operas have subjects that we all know, no matter what language we speak. There are many settings of the classic story Cinderella that everyone knows from childhood. Many operas have storylines that have also been on the musical theater stage like La bohème and Rent, and Madama Butterfly and Miss Saigon. If you have a friend who likes musical theater or knows some of these works, find a performance like this in your area. 

Catchy Tunes

As silly as it may sound, many of our non-opera friends have probably heard a few opera arias coming through their TV at one time or another. Those catchy tunes from that car advertisement could actually help you bring them to an opera near you. Operas like Carmen, Il babiere di Siviglia, and even Die Zauberflöte have all had a few minutes of TV fame. These operas may not be well known to your friend, but knowing even one piece in the show could get them to enjoy the opera more.

Casual Environment
When people usually think of the opera, they think of a fancy night out where they have to get really dressed up. If that isn’t something your friends are into, find a casual and relaxed environment to enjoy the opera. Programs like Opera on Tap bring opera music to local bars and restaurants with a fun, casual feel to them. Enjoy a beer or a glass of wine and take in some of opera's greatest hits.

Bring Friends
You can make a night at the opera even more fun with a group of friends. To make newcomers of the opera feel more comfortable, make a full night of it. Get a group together, grab some dinner and drinks beforehand, and head over to the opera for a night to remember!

These are just a few suggestions on how to bring a friend or family member to an opera if they have never experienced it before! Share your suggestions of operas you love to bring new operagoers to, or other suggestions you may have in the comments below.