Si, Verdi was Italian. Its a good opera, but pretty heavy for a first time. I think you'll appreciate the set more than the singing. If you hate it, BTW (not saying you will, just in case), don't judge Aida (or ones like La Boehme) as the standard. I would have recommended something a lot lighter for a first opera, Marriage of Figaro or Cosi Fan Tutte.

You don't have to know the words (there are often digital surtitle boxes in the theatre anyway). But it helps to know the story to pick up on subtle humour (isn't much in Aida tho).

The Met has wonderful synopses of the world operas they perform (which is most of them):

http://www.metoperafamily.org/metope...ies/index.aspx

I'm sure you can also look up details about a particular opera on wiki, also.

Enjoy!