Fellow Travelers
Step back into the tumultuous corridors of power during the McCarthy era with Opera Parallèle’s captivating production of Fellow Travelers. Adapted from Thomas Mallon’s acclaimed novel of the same name, this West Coast premiere offers audiences a mesmerizing blend of tender romance and political intrigue that resonates with timeless relevance.
Composer Gregory Spears and librettist Greg Pierce have meticulously crafted an opera that delves into the complexities of love and politics against the backdrop of the Lavender Scare. Set in an era of paranoia and persecution, Fellow Travelers navigates the lives of individuals grappling with forbidden love under government scrutiny.
The historic Presidio Theatre provides the ideal setting for this contemporary classic, offering a space where audiences can fully immerse themselves in the emotional depth of the narrative. Sung in English with supertitles, the production spans 2 hours and 15 minutes, including intermission, inviting viewers on a captivating journey through clandestine love and political complexity.
With stage design and direction by Brian Staufenbiel, the “double-life” imposed on the LGBTQ community during the McCarthy era comes to life through evocative silhouettes and projected paintings from the period. Framed in a sleek, modular set which seamlessly transitions between scenes, the production skillfully juxtaposes the perceived simplicity of the era with the complex reality of living in fear. The visually stunning sets emit the spatial facsimiles of a world where revealing one’s authentic self could lead to dire consequences, including loss of livelihood or even death.
“Fellow Travelers” transcends the boundaries of opera, serving as a poignant testament to the resilience of love amidst adversity. As audiences are transported back in time, they are prompted to contemplate the significance of authenticity, acceptance, and the enduring power of love to transcend even the darkest of times.
Sung in English with supertitles | Runtime: 2 hours, 15 minutes, including intermission
Friday June 21 2024
7:30pm
Saturday June 22 2024
7:30pm
Sunday June 23
3:00pm
Prices $30-$120
Additional ticketed option:
A Premium Fellow Traveler’s Experience: Transportation, Tour, and Lavender Toast to the Presidio Theatre
For less than the cost of an Uber, make your transportation to and from the beautiful Presidio Theatre a seamless and delightful experience through a storytelling-enriched route via a luxury private bus. $35 RT, additional ticket purchase required.