Opera Takes a Bow to Youngsters

The outfits ranged from T-shirts to tuxes, but what else would you expect from kids attending the opera? Friday was Youth Night at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, where 1,600 students saw a dress rehearsal of Opera Pacific’s “Aida” before it premiered Saturday.

Kevin Crysler, who organized the event, said there is no dress code on Youth Night. “The children enjoy it and have fun socializing and they dress up, but they don’t need fine clothes to attend. We want to overcome opera’s elitist attitude, and we want them to feel comfortable.”

The program, now in its sixth season, allows sixth through 12th graders and their chaperons to see a performance for as little as $8 per ticket. It continues in January with “La Traviata,” and in March with “Madama Butterfly” and “The Magic Flute.” For more information, call (714) 474-4488 Ext. 318.