The 2021 season opener of LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES was a sensational turning point in the company's history. Guided by the fierce creative genius of new Artistic Director, James Darrah, this production shattered the norms of traditional opera.

Amid the pandemic chaos, it not only heralded a glorious return to live performance but did so with an electrifying twist. Picture this: an audience perched atop a parking garage, surrounded by their trusty cars, while Darrah masterfully projected the spectacle on colossal screens.

Safety and spectacle merged into an unforgettable, immersive experience.

In addition to its groundbreaking format, the 2021 season opener reaffirmed Long Beach Opera's unwavering commitment to the work of composer Philip Glass. Long Beach Opera's daring and imaginative presentation of LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES proved that innovation and tradition can coexist harmoniously in the world of opera.

As the first major arts outfit in Los Angeles to reclaim the stage in 2021, Long Beach Opera's performance wasn't just a celebration of the arts' resilience; it also set a promising precedent for the future. James Darrah's artistic vision, paired with the timeless allure of Philip Glass's music, transformed this event into a testament to opera's enduring power to dazzle, inspire, and innovate.