Want the chance to sing on the stage of the David H. Koch Theater stage at New York City Opera? No, we’re not going to throw you in Cio-Cio San’s kimono for an upcoming performance of Madama Butterfly, but you can enjoy this opportunity as part of our Backstage Tours. These pre-performance tours give you a glimpse into the inner workings of New York City Opera.

 

Lead by one of our knowledgeable staff members and volunteers, tours are taken on stage where Plácido Domingo inaugurated City Opera’s tenure at Lincoln Center in Don Rodrigo . The tours get the chance to check out the workshops, including the costume area where anyone can examine one of the 40lbs dresses worn by our opera stars (A lucky few may even get to try on a piece or two!).

 

Already been on the tour? City Opera’s expert tour guide James Daly assures, "No two tours are ever the same." And with the renovations to the theater finally at a close, many more facts about the opera house have surfaced. See if you can answer these questions…

 

--Why is the theater known as "The Jewelry Box"?

--Which of the several elevators backstage is known lovingly as "The Beverly Sills Elevator"?

--What major delay in the completion of the theater’s original construction was caused by the pair of marble ladies found in the promenade?

--Why is a footprint included in the otherwise pristine work of art known as "Numbers" by Jasper Johns?

--With several million metal beads on the beaded curtains hanging upon the Promenade window, why is there one strand of beads that is only half completed?

 

Find the answers to these questions and more on the City Opera’s Backstage Tour, Tuesday through Saturday at 11:30am, 2:30pm, and 5:30pm and Sunday at 11:30am. Click here for tickets.