Director

A powerful and deeply moving historic snapshot, Fellow Travelers is set amidst the Lavender Scare of midcentury McCarthyism, when persecution of LGBTQ+ people within the Federal government was rampant. This modern lyric opera is about the bravery it takes to be one’s authentic self, even when society demands secrecy and silence.  

EPSG:4326

Fellow Travelers

Portland'5 Centers for the Arts

Recent college graduate Timothy Laughlin arrives in 1950s Washington, D.C., ready to join the fight against Communism. A chance encounter with the handsome State Department official, Hawkins Fuller, results in Tim's first job and his first romantic relationship with a man. As Tim struggles to reconcile his newfound love with his political, personal, and religious beliefs, Hawkins comes under the watchful eye of McCarthyism and faces charges that could cost him his job and his freedom. Both men must make impossible choices as they struggle to survive the Lavender Scare.

Seattle Center

David struggles to reconcile spiritual humility with ambition. His desire for more wreaks havoc on his family, friendships and, perhaps, his own faith. His journey from preacher to Governor, like the lives of those closest to him, is shaped by the current affairs of the 1980s.

The Righteous

Santa Fe Opera

New York City used to be a party town, but 1986 finds everyone paralyzed with fear of AIDS. Everyone, that is, except BJ Rosenthal, who’s determined to keep the party going. When an ex-lover becomes ill, BJ is forced to face the nightmare enveloping him and redefine his life. Based on the celebrated novel of its time and set to a soaring pop score pulsating with joy and heart wrenching melodies, Eighty-Sixed unearths an epidemic that shook the world to reveal a community’s ferocious fight to reclaim its future.

Eighty-sixed

Unholy Wars closes the dusty history book and reframes the Crusades from a Middle Eastern perspective to reveal a new story of belonging and resilience. Conceived and created by Lebanese American tenor Karim Sulayman, music by Handel and Monteverdi is interwoven with that of composer Mary Kouyoumdjian to explore and reclaim representations of his identity. Reexamining Baroque interpretations of the Crusades and depictions of the Middle East, Sulayman asks "Can we lean into the discomfort of our collective history while forging a new path forward?"

Unholy Wars

Suzanne Roberts Theatre

A device brought the world to our fingertips, connected us in unparalleled ways, and streamlined communication. But for the man behind the machine, life was far from streamlined.
The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, by acclaimed San Francisco composer Mason Bates and Pulitzer-winning librettist Mark Campbell, comes home to the place where it all began.

Under the baton of Michael Christie, Bates' score takes us on an operatic journey through the fragmented memory of love, betrayal, obsession and death, weaving together classical lyricism and a techno soundscape informed by the audio of early computers.

The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs

War Memorial Opera House

Based on Ann Patchett’s award-winning novel, Jimmy López Bellido’s opera Bel Canto depicts how something truly beautiful can spring from chaos and terror. With a principal role loosely inspired by noted soprano Renée Fleming who championed the work, the opera tells the story of what happens when a gathering of international dignitaries at Peru’s vice-presidential mansion turns into a hostage situation. Music becomes the universal language of this riveting story of humanity and redemption, inspired by real-life events. The Chicago Sun-Times has called Bellido "one of the most interesting young composers anywhere today." 

Jimmy López Bellido's Bel Canto

Aspen Meadows Resort

Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS faculty coach the program's major emerging talents in opera scenes. Enjoy excerpts from the repertoire, ravishing voices, and insightful coaching. This week's focus is on arias and scenes. 

Opera Encounters

Wheeler Opera House

Based on Thomas Mallon’s novel which recently became an acclaimed Showtime miniseries. Timothy Laughlin is an idealistic college grad when he arrives in Washington DC to join the fight against communism. But a chance encounter with a handsome State Department official leads to a secret love affair and heart-wrenching dilemmas. The year is 1953, and Senator McCarthy isn’t just looking for communists anymore. Hearing the score Opera Magazine calls “seductively beautiful,” you’ll be on the edge of your seat for the work the Chicago Tribune calls “one of the most accomplished new American operas.”

Balboa Theatre

Set during the 1950s “Lavender Scare,” Fellow Travelers follows two men whose romantic involvement becomes a dangerous secret in an era of government surveillance and fear. Recognized as one of the most widely performed and talked-about new American operas of the past decade, Fellow Travelers is based on Thomas Mallon’s acclaimed novel (recently adapted as a CBS/Paramount+ limited series).

The Alice Busch Opera Theater

It’s 1953, and the city of Washington D.C. crackles with suspicion of Red and Lavender. Recent college graduate Timothy Laughlin arrives eager to join the fight against communism, unaware that the city’s fear and secrecy will challenge all he believes and desires.

Director

Kevin Newbury

Events

Upcoming events

10 - 12 Jul, 2026

Fellow Travelers · San Diego Opera

Jul 18 - Aug 16, 2026

Fellow Travelers · Glimmerglass Festival

6 - 7 Feb, 2027

Fellow Travelers · Austin Opera

Past events

7 - 15 Mar, 2026

Fellow Travelers · Portland Opera

Feb 21 - Mar 1, 2026

Fellow Travelers · Seattle Opera

About

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