Greed, lust, and old-time religion collide in Elmer Gantry, Opera Santa Barbara’s fiery, gospel-infused production based on Sinclair Lewis’ satirical novel. Set in the early 20th-century American Midwest, this electrifying opera follows the rise of a charismatic (and deeply flawed) preacher navigating ambition, scandal, and spectacle.
Featuring a vibrant score and sung in English with projected LED captions, this powerful production brings a bold, theatrical edge to a classic American story—also famously adapted into the Academy Award–winning film starring Burt Lancaster.
Performances take place May 1 at 7:30 PM and May 3 at 2:30 PM.