curtain raising
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The first performance of a theatrical production; the opening night. This term specifically refers to the initial public presentation of a play, musical, or other staged show. It is synonymous with the premiere.
Usage
The term "curtain raising" is used as a singular noun to denote the inaugural event of a theatrical run. It is often associated with reviews, special audiences, and a sense of occasion. * The curtain raising for the new musical is scheduled for next Friday. * All the actors were nervous before the curtain raising.
Advanced Usage
- While "curtain raising" literally refers to the act of raising the theater curtain to begin the performance, its primary modern usage is as a fixed noun phrase meaning "the first performance" or "opening night."
- It can sometimes be used more broadly to metaphorically indicate the beginning of any significant series of events.
- The treaty signing was the curtain raising for a new era of diplomacy.
Variants and Related Words
- Opening (night) (n): A more common synonym for the first performance.
- Premiere (n): The first public performance of a play, film, or other show.
- Debut (n): A first public appearance.
- Curtain call (n): The appearance of performers at the end of a show to acknowledge applause, a related theatrical term but with a different meaning.
Synonyms
- Opening night
- Premiere
- First night
- Debut
Antonyms
- Closing night
- Final performance
Related Phrases
- To raise the curtain: Literally, to open the theater curtain; figuratively, to begin an event or process.
- The mayor will raise the curtain on the new festival with a short speech.
Noun
- the first performance (as of a theatrical production)
- the opening received good critical reviews