first night

The cast bows on the first night of the new play.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The opening performance of a theatrical production: "first night" refers to the very first public performance of a play, opera, or other stage show, often attended by critics, celebrities, and the production team.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The critics were all present for the first night of the new musical. (The opening performance of the musical.)
  • She bought tickets for the first night because she wanted to see the show before anyone else. (She attended the premiere performance.)

Advanced Usage

• "first-night nerves": the anxiety or excitement experienced by actors or performers before or during the opening performance.

  • The cast was suffering from first-night nerves before the curtain rose. (The performers were nervous about the premiere.)

• "first-night audience": the group of people who attend the opening performance, often including reviewers and special guests.

  • The first-night audience gave the play a standing ovation. (The audience at the premiere applauded enthusiastically.)

Variants and Related Words

• First-nighter (noun): a person who regularly attends opening nights of theatrical productions.

  • She is a devoted first-nighter and never misses a premiere. (She frequently attends the first performances of shows.)

• Opening night (noun): another term for "first night," referring to the initial public performance of a production.

  • Opening night was a huge success with a full house. (The first performance was well-received.)

Synonyms

• Premiere: the first public performance of a play, film, or other work.
• Debut: the first appearance or performance of a performer or production.

Related Idioms

• "Not a first night": an informal expression meaning something is not a new or original experience.

  • This is not a first night for him — he's been doing this for years. (This is not his first time; he is experienced.)

• "First night out": the initial public performance of a show after a period of rehearsal.

  • The first night out was a test of the actors' stamina. (The opening performance was a trial run.)