What time does the curtain go up?
ah keh OH-rah see AL-tsah eel see-PA-ryoh. 'Sipario' — stress on 'pa'.
When you want to confirm the exact performance start time. A more theatrical way to ask than simply 'a che ora inizia'.
Si alza il sipario literally means 'the curtain raises itself' — the curtain goes up. This is a fixed theatrical expression. Il sipario is the stage curtain. This phrase is used metaphorically to mean the performance begins.
A che ora inizia lo spettacolo?
What time does the show begin?
More straightforward and casual alternative.
Lo spettacolo ha un intervallo?
Does the show have an interval?
Important for planning a dinner reservation after the show.
Quanto dura lo spettacolo?
How long does the show last?
Total duration including any intervals.
Italian opera can be very long. Wagner's Ring Cycle runs for four evenings. Even standard Verdi or Puccini operas often last three hours with intervals. Italians dress for the theatre and dine either before or after — rarely attempting a full dinner both before and after.