Verona Arean Opera Experience?
 

Can someone who has been to the Verona Opera in the Arena tell me what it's like?

I am wondering what kind of seats to buy: The designated seating areas are expensive. Should we get the general admission seating?

What should we bring? Cushions, for the stone benches? Can we bring snacks or wine? How early should we arrive to get good seats?

Thanks for any insites you can provide!

Steve

er, insights...

me englis major...need to pruf read mor.

ttt

There is nothing more melodious than the noise of people munching chips or opening bottles (especially when the cork goes "plop") while listening to an opera. Don't forget to take a table, a few chairs and a BBQ !
:-)))

Fair enough. While I think I would be able to avoid popping my cork, I certainly wouldn't want to offend.

Have you been there Pvoy? I was trying to determine if it was more of an "outdoor concert in the park" type of atmosphere or a staid opera house atmosphere.

> I was trying to determine if it was more of an "outdoor concert in the park" type of atmosphere or a staid opera house atmosphere. <

It's definately the former. We went general admission, sat high up and enjoyed every moment. It was the "experience" of just being there! Arrive early for the fun of watching your fellow opera-goers...

"outdoor concert in the park" type of atmosphere or a staid opera house atmosphere.>>

It's neither. It's a very unique experience in a Roman Theater. They serve champaigne, and there are candles. Sometimes people sing along. I think a cushion would be OK if you are uncomfortable otherwise.

I would recommend designated seating.
I was there to see Carmen a couple years ago, it was unique and beautiful, like an opera in a roman theater !
Hope you will enjoy.
Charles

From Slow Travel:

Snacks
In the nosebleed section, there are vendors selling Nestle's ice cream (not gelato), pizze and panini, and drinks: beer, coca, fanta, tonic or wine. No water. Bring your own.

Thanks for the responses. :)

Steve, we saw Aida last summer at the Verona amphitheatre and it was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life.

If possible, see Aida; it was the first opera performed in the amphitheatre and is still the most popular one.

We got tickets the afternoon of the performance but I strongly recommend you get them in advance. I shudder remembering how blase I was about getting tickets. Our tickets costs 24 euros as I recall.

As to whether to get expensive seats or sit in the “grandinata” (the ancient stone bleacher seats) which are not expensive, we sat in the grandinata and had a fantastic time. Most of the folks in the grandinata were Italian, and were all ages. As we waited (hours!) for the performance to begin, everyone was very friendly and talking and there was a festival atmosphere that was infectious. There were vendors selling sodas & snacks. It was hot, by the way; bring a hat! I know a little Italian and talked to – and laughed with -- a lot of people in the rows around us in the hours we waited for the opera to begin. Plus, we could see parts of the city over the walls, which was spectacular. There was a full moon that night, too. I’ve heard that the expensive seats are more comfortable (anything would be more comfortable!) but lack the festival atmosphere. The grandinata seats are definitely not for people who have any trouble walking, but I would choose them again without hesitation no matter what they cost. The experience was priceless.

The doors to the amphitheatre open at 6:00 but folks with grandinata tickets start lining up earlier, to be at the front of the line for open seating. We got in line at about 5:00; we were not at the front of the line but our seats ended up being fine. When the doors open and after tickets are checked, people charge ahead (up stairs & stairs & stairs) to get the best places. Be sure to rent a seat cushion on your way up to the seats, as those ancient stone seats are super hard. While one person in your party stops & rents cushions, somebody else should run ahead and get seats. Also, be sure to get the free small candles that are given out after you get the seat cushions. Everybody in the amphitheatre lights one just before the start of the performance. The effect of Aida with thousands of flickering candles in the twilight is a feast for the senses.

Also, be forewarned & take this seriously: there are no bathrooms inside the amphitheatre. The bathrooms are outside and behind the amphitheatre (so you have to literally walk outside the amphitheatre) & are very rudimentary.

Allie

Thanks for the info, Allie. We bought tickets online, and can pick them up the day of the performance. We will be seeing Aida.

Thanks for the details.

Steve (from Charlotte)

just bookmarking for my next adventure - what great info -thanks!!

Steve, that's wonderful! I can't wait to read your report. (I'm a lawyer, too, & am on Topsail Island, by the way.) And txgirlinbda, this opera is worth planning a trip to Italy around! :)

Allie