Opera Santa Barbara Closes 25th Season with The Crucible

By edhat staff

Opera Santa Barbara chose Arthur Miller’s classic American drama “The Crucible” to close out its 25th anniversary season.

Robert Ward’s Pulitzer Prize-winning opera will premiere at the Lobero Theatre on Friday, April 26 and Sunday, April 28 directed by Stephanie Havey under conductor and artistic director Kostis Protopapas. More than 500 middle and high-school age students will attend the third performance on Monday, April 29 for free.

The Crucible is a classic American drama written as an allegory for McCarthyism and the US Government’s persecution of suspected communists. It is a story of a community confronting mass hysteria and dangerous ideology and the repercussions and costs of reputation and integrity.

The opera features bass-baritone Wayne Tigges and mezzo-soprano Audrey Babcock making their Opera SB debuts as John and Elizabeth Proctor, the central couple on trial in Crucible’s Salem. Returning to the Santa Barbara stage are hometown favorite Nina Yoshida Nelsen as Tituba (2014 – The Consul, 2012 – Madama Butterfly) and OSB Studio Artist Alumnus Colin Ramsey (2017 – Manon) as Reverend John Hale. Soprano Anya Matanovic (Abigail Williams) and tenor Corey Bix (Judge Danforth) also sing major roles in the opera.

Founded in 1994 by Marilyn Gilbert and Nathan Rundlett, Opera Santa Barbara has continued to present opera productions and educational programs to the Santa Barbara community. The company has staged more than 70 operas and incorporated thousands of hours to community outreach. The local non-profit organization aims to celebrate the beauty of opera and contribute to Santa Barbara’s cultural enrichment. More information about Opera Santa Barbara can be found at www.operasb.org.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 26 and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 28 at the Lobero Theatre. Tickets range from $49 to $129, but edhat readers receive a 20% discount by using the code HAT20. Tickets can be purchased online at loberotheatre.org or by calling 805-963-0761.