I've seen three performance put on by Opera Santa Barbara and each one was worse than the last, I am VERY sorry to say. I never like writing anything bad about SB, but sometimes it's very much needed.
The venue at the Lobero Theatre is small and always fills up. There is enough of a demand to fill a large portion of the Arlington Theatre, a much needed change that would help to raise funds. The sets have all been half-hazard, make shift attempts at stage craft. I've seen better sets at high school plays, it's that bad! The tickets are extremely over priced - I've payed less for Orchestra Center at the SF Opera.
I think the problem is one of two things: Either the Opera company does not have the funds to put on a decent show, or they spend what funds they have on dinner parties and out of practice, once mediocre opera singers. Whatever way you look at it, Opera Santa Barbara has a long way to go to catch up to the city's reputation as a world class destination.
I really truly hope that Opera Santa Barbara improves with time. I love Santa Barbara and I'd prefer, like anyone else, not to travel to SF or LA to see a decent opera performance.
GOOD LUCK! read more