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SAN DIEGO (July 29, 2025) – San Diego Opera today announces the Southern California premiere of the opera Fellow Travelers, to be presented next summer at the historic Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego. An extension of the company’s 2025-26 Season, the production will play July 10–12, 2026.
Based on the 2007 novel by Thomas Mallon, Fellow Travelers explores the intersection of love, politics and identity during the McCarthy era in 1950s Washington, D.C. With a score by composer Gregory Spears and libretto by Greg Pierce, the opera tells the story of Hawkins Fuller and Timothy Laughlin and how they navigate a secret romance in a time of intense scrutiny and fear. Opera Magazine praised the work as “seductively beautiful” and Chicago Tribune as “one of the most accomplished new American operas.”
“I saw Fellow Travelers about ten years ago,” says David Bennett, the Joann Clark General Director and CEO of San Diego Opera, “and I’ve been looking for an opportunity to bring it to our audience ever since. The story it tells of these two men, their relationship, and their choices in the midst of the Lavender Scare and McCarthyism is incredibly moving. The musical score is beautiful and the cast is top-notch. I can’t wait to share Fellow Travelers with San Diego.”
Director Kevin Newbury is no stranger to the captivating world of Fellow Travelers, having directed the work’s premiere and subsequent productions across the country. Renowned opera conductor and longtime Artistic and Music Director of Houston Grand Opera Patrick Summers will conduct the musicians of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Tenor Andy Acosta, now a San Diego resident, will reprise the role of Timothy Laughlin, a role he has performed in three different productions. Baritone Joseph Lattanzi – praised by The New York Times as “splendid…luxuriant and robust” for his performance in Fellow Travelers’ world premiere – stars as Hawkins Fuller. Soprano Vanessa Becerra will bring to life the role of Miss Lightfoot and soprano Amber R. Monroe will perform as Mary Johnson. The cast also includes Marcus DeLoach, Elisa Sunshine, Randell McGee, Kyle Pfortmiller and Jeremy Weiss.
Since its world premiere in 2016 at Cincinnati Opera, Fellow Travelers has earned national acclaim with performances at major opera houses around the country including those in Chicago, San Francisco, Boston and Arizona. San Diego Opera’s July 2026 production will mark the only California performances of the work next year. This Tenth Anniversary Tour of Fellow Travelers – co-produced by Up Until Now Collective, led by Jecca Barry and Director Kevin Newbury – will also include stops at Seattle Opera, Portland Opera and Glimmerglass Festival in 2026.
“I am thrilled to share this beautiful opera with San Diego audiences,” says director Kevin Newbury. “As we prepare to bring Fellow Travelers across the country in celebration of the opera’s tenth anniversary, I have been reflecting a lot on my values as an artist, especially as a Queer artist making work during these uncertain times. I believe in the power of history. I believe in the power of art to build community. And I believe in the power of a good love story. And Fellow Travelers is, first and foremost, a good love story.”
San Diego Opera will present three performances of Fellow Travelers: on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2:00 pm. The presentation is part of San Diego Opera’s ongoing commitment to the development and furthering of contemporary and innovative new operas.
Tickets are now available only to San Diego Opera season ticket holders. Single tickets go on sale to non-subscribers on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Subscriptions and single tickets may be purchased either online at www.sdopera.org, or by calling (619) 533-7000.
ABOUT SAN DIEGO OPERA
Founded in 1965, San Diego Opera has delivered exceptional performances and inspiring educational programs to a wide audience in San Diego for 60 seasons, with a strong focus on community partnerships and the transformative and expressive power of the human voice.? With a commitment to innovative storytelling, lifelong learning and engagement, and an awareness of great music’s power to bring audiences together, San Diego Opera provides a lasting cultural service to its community. To learn more, please visit www.sdopera.org or follow @sandiegoopera on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
FELLOW TRAVELERS
July 10-12, 2026
Balboa Theatre
Stage Director – Kevin Newbury
Conductor – Patrick Summers
Timothy Laughlin – Andy Acosta
Hawkins Fuller – Joseph Lattanzi
Mary Johnson – Amber R. Monroe
Miss Lightfoot – Vanessa Becerra
Senator Joseph McCarthy/ Estonian Frank/ Interrogator – Marcus DeLoach
Lucy – Elisa Sunshine
Tommy McIntyre – Randell McGee
Senator Charles Potter/ General Arlie/ Bartender – Kyle Pfortmiller
Senator Potter’s Asst./ Bookseller/ Priest/ Technician/ Party Guest – Jeremy Weiss
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, D.C. 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.”
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Media Contact:?
Rebecca Davis – Rebecca Davis Public Relations
rebecca@rebeccadavispr.com
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