Image courtesy of POP, Megan Potter as Dinah
The rebirth of live opera in Los Angeles begins with Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti, presented by Pacific Opera Project in four performances this April 24th and 25th on the grounds of the Heritage Square Museum in Montecito Heights. The one-act opera, written by the composer in the period between the better known On the Town and Candide, runs under an hour. Picnic-style seating is available and patrons are encouraged to bring low backed chairs, blankets, food and drink, including beer or wine if you are so inclined. POP is presenting the show in accordance with COVID guidelines, and tickets are $25, sold either individually or in pods of up to five fully vaccinated people from the same household. Shows are Saturday, April 24th at 7:30 and 8:45 pm and Sunday the 25th at 5:30 and 7:30 pm; come early to explore the grounds and historic homes of Heritage Square.
The opera, begun by Bernstein during his honeymoon in 1951, is the story of a young married couple struggling through post-war suburbia and offers the composer’s critique of that era’s materialism. The real life couple of Megan and Andrew Potter (mezzo soprano and bass, respectively) play leads Dinah and Sam. The music will be performed by a jazz trio. Josh Shaw directs.
Trouble in Tahiti. Heritage Square Museum, 3800 Homer Street, Los Angeles, California 90031-1530. Saturday, April 24, 2021 7:30 and 8:45 pm; Sunday, April 25, 2021, 5:30 and 7:30 pm. Tickets from $25. For more information and to buy tickets: www.pacificoperaproject.com/gtroubleintahiti
