An American Opera

Opera Santa Barbara evokes the American Midwest of the 1920s, in Robert Aldridge and Herschel Garfein's Grammy winning Elmer Gantry! Based on the novel of the same name by Sinclair Lewis from 1927 and its Oscar-winning 1960 adaptation starring Burt Lancaster, religious satire set to a score rooted in jazz, gospel and folk traditions brings an excellent dose of old-timey America to the opera stage. Premiering in 2007 and winning a Grammy for the 2010 Florentine Opera recording, come and find out why it's so loved by those who have seen it!

What is the Story?

In the Midwest in 1920s America, a charismatic, opportunistic salesman discovers the path to fame and power: evangelism. Joining the devout evangelist Sharon Falconer to build an empire based on the Christian faith, the opera follows the rise of Elmer Gantry and the inevitable uncovering of his true intentions. A poignant and still-relevant satire exploring the line between genuine faith and bad actors using religion for personal gain, a gospel infused score helps to create a truly American-feeling opera.