opening night

Meaning

This phrase refers to the very first public performance of a theatrical play, opera, show, or the premiere of a movie. It is usually a highly anticipated event, often attended by critics, celebrities, and VIP guests.

Examples

• The actors were incredibly nervous before the curtain went up on opening night.

  The actors were incredibly nervous before the curtain went up on opening night.

• We managed to get front-row tickets for the opera's opening night.

  We managed to get front-row tickets for the opera's opening night.

• Opening night was a huge success, and the show received a standing ovation.

  Opening night was a huge success, and the show received a standing ovation.

• The director gave a brief speech to the cast right before opening night.

  The director gave a brief speech to the cast right before opening night.

• Critics from all the major newspapers will be there on opening night.

  Critics from all the major newspapers will be there on opening night.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I went to the open night of the new exhibition.

  ✓ I went to the opening night of the new exhibition.

  'Open night' is incorrect; the established industry term is always 'opening night' or 'opening evening'.

• ✗ The play starts its opening night tomorrow.

  ✓ The play's opening night is tomorrow.

  A play does not 'start' an opening night; the night itself is the event. Alternatively, you can say 'the play opens tomorrow'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The theater was packed for the musical's ___.

  💡 The first public performance of the show.

  Show answer

  opening night

• Are you planning to go on ___ or wait for the reviews?

  💡 The very first night of a performance.

  Show answer

  opening night