San Diego Opera Stages FELLOW TRAVELERS: A 1953 D.C. Love Story

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The opera, based on Thomas Mallon's novel, explores a secret love affair set against the backdrop of McCarthyism.

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A new clip from San Diego Opera's upcoming production of FELLOW TRAVELERS offers a preview of the contemporary American opera ahead of its three-performance run at the Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego, July 10 through 12.

FELLOW TRAVELERS features music by Gregory Spears and a libretto by Greg Pierce , based on Thomas Mallon's novel, which was also adapted into a Showtime miniseries. The story follows Timothy Laughlin, an idealistic college graduate who arrives in Washington, D.C., to work against communism and becomes entangled in a secret love affair with a State Department official. Set in 1953, the opera unfolds against the backdrop of the McCarthy era's so-called Lavender Scare, when persecution of LGBTQ+ federal employees was widespread. Opera Magazine has described the score as "seductively beautiful," and the Chicago Tribune has called it "one of the most accomplished new American operas."

The San Diego run marks the Southern California premiere of the work, part of a national Tenth Anniversary Tour. The production is conducted by Bruce Stasyna and directed by Kevin Newbury , with a cast that includes Andy Acosta, Vanessa Becerra , Marcus DeLoach, Joseph Lattanzi, Randell McGee, Amber R. Monroe, Kyle Pfortmiller , Elisa Sunshine, and Jeremy Weiss.

BroadwayWorld has been following the opera's tour extensively, including coverage of the San Diego announcement and earlier stops with Seattle Opera and Portland Opera .

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwopera/article/Video-FELLOW-TRAVELERS-Comes-to-San-Diego-Opera-20260611)._