opening night

noun

1. the first performance of a theatrical attraction, taking place in the evening:

   The audience was full of celebrities on opening night.

Word History and Origins

Origin of opening night¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

At the opening-night party, Mart Crowley saw Mae West sitting alone, except for the company of two musclemen bodyguards.

From The Daily Beast

But the opening-night gala may not be the only place producer Michael Cohl has to get dressed up for.

From The Daily Beast

The Daily Beast caught up with Broadway newcomer Julia Stiles the day after opening night.

From The Daily Beast

The performance of Jesss play would have to get along without him on this opening night.

From Project Gutenberg

At the rival house Ponchielli's La Gioconda attracted a large but not a crowded audience on the opening night.

From Project Gutenberg

Haddon, she's got a bug about that dress, and she says she wants to take it to London with her, to use on the opening night.

From Project Gutenberg

And the thief crawls through the opening night after night; is it not outrageous?'

From Project Gutenberg

Barrie liked her work so much that he cabled Frohman about it on the opening night.

From Project Gutenberg