opening night

American  

noun

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

   The audience was full of celebrities on opening night.

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Etymology

Origin of opening night

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

On the opening night of Mission League basketball action Wednesday, there was a huge upset, one close call and two easy victories.

From Los Angeles Times

When Kay gets a hold of the New York Times review of her play before it goes to print on opening night, her world falls apart.

From Salon

Yet opening night last week in this New York City suburb was hardly encouraging.

From The Wall Street Journal

Not wanting to let time slip away, I proposed an unconventional plan: to join me and an octogenarian friend at our annual opening night at the Hollywood Bowl.

From Los Angeles Times

The world number one, 18, was the headline act on the opening night at Alexandra Palace.

From BBC