West Edge Opera is set to kick off its Summer Festival 2025 with three exciting shows playing in repertory from August 2 to August 17 at the historic Oakland Scottish Rite Center. The festival features a world premiere commission about labor leader Dolores Huerta, a brutal tragedy about a man forced to serve those he hates, and a baroque biblical bromance.
The opening production, “Dolores,” is a first full-length commission created and developed through WEO’s Aperture Program. The show tells the story of Huerta’s life and activism, featuring mezzo-soprano Kelly Guerra in the title role, bass-baritone Phillip Lopez as Cesar Chavez, and tenor Alex Boyer as Bobby Kennedy.
The second production is “David & Jonathan,” a French Baroque masterpiece that takes a deep dive into the emotional and personal aspects of male loyalty and love. The show features award-winning early keyboard specialist Adam Pear conducting, with a cast including Aaron Sheehan as David and Derek Chester as Jonathan.
The final production is “Wozzeck,” Alban Berg’s expressionist opera about poverty, mental instability, and societal cruelty. Director Elkhanah Pulitzer returns to WEO, with smashing previous production credits, and will conduct a cast that includes Hadleigh Adams as the title role and Emma McNairy as Marie.
All Summer Fest performances will be held at WEO’s new home venue, the Oakland Scottish Rite Center. The festival features a range of ticket prices, from $22 to $172, and can be purchased online or in person.
Source: https://www.ebar.com/story/156016