CRASH OUT
QUEENS
A TIFFANY TOWNSEND RECITAL
JANUARY 31 & FEBRUARY 1, 2026
ALTAR SOCIETY, LONG BEACH
DIGITAL PROGRAM
Soprano Tiffany Townsend, announced as an LBO Studio Creator at our 2024 On Display event, officially kicks off our 2025–2026 season with a bold, multidisciplinary recital developed in close collaboration with the company. Conceived as both a recital and a dramatic exploration, the program traces a journey through opera’s most iconic moments of reckoning–examining the inner lives of women pushed to their psychological and emotional limits. Through scenes that bring to life some of the operatic repertoire’s most powerful female figures, Townsend brings these arias into the present with an empathetic, reimagined lens. Featuring scenic, dance, and instrumental collaborators, this performance invites audiences to experience the full scope of Tiffany’s evolving artistry and creative imagination.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Tiffany Townsend first captivated LBO audiences as Idleness in the world premiere of Kate Soper’s The Romance of the Rose (2023), returning the following spring to perform a selection of songs at LBO’s On Display event.
Praised for her “powerhouse soprano and expressive presence” (The Wall Street Journal), Townsend has since emerged as one of the most compelling young artists of her generation, with notable performances at LA Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Opera Philadelphia, and major symphony orchestras across the country.
This new recital builds on her evolving relationship with LBO, giving Townsend space to shape a program that reflects her creative imagination and artistic point of view.
At the heart of the recital is a vivid exploration of women in opera who confront moments of reckoning. The program spans a wide emotional and musical range—from Puccini’s Suor Angelica to Menotti’s gripping aria from The Consul. Through Townsend’s interpretation, these iconic characters reveal new layers of complexity, inner conflict, and humanity.
The recital expands into a multidisciplinary collaboration, featuring pianist Lucy Yates, dancer Jasmine Albuquerque, and scenic design by Prairie T. Trivuth, with additional dance and instrumental partners to be announced.
Opening night will culminate in a festive season-launch party welcoming artists, audiences, and supporters into LBO’s 2025–26 season, with a post-show reception also following the second evening’s performance.
CREATIVE TEAM
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Creator / Performer
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Choreographer / Performer
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Dancer / Performer
Courtney Scarr
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Piano / Performer
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Production Designer
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Costumer Designer
Kéelin Quigley
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Lighting Designer
Azra King-Abadi
PRODUCTION STAFF
Samantha Millette, Stage Manager
Ashley Likins, Production Coordinator
Nicholas Martinez, Production Assistant
ABOUT THE VENUE
Altar Society is a craft brewpub, coffee roaster, and events space occupying the former Masonic Temple in Downtown Long Beach, California.
Built in 1903, the Temple is one of the oldest remaining structures in the downtown district, and a rare surviving work of architect Henry F. Starbuck. Its restored architectural details—original wood floors, preserved brick walls, and soaring arched ceilings—reflect over a century of history. The building has undergone careful adaptation over the decades, evolving from a civic landmark into a distinctive, character-rich setting for contemporary events and performances.
ABOUT LBO
Long Beach Opera (LBO) is Southern California’s oldest and boldest opera company, with over 45 years of challenging norms, taking risks and sparking meaningful conversation. Under the leadership of the company’s third Artistic Director & Chief Creative Officer, James Darrah, we create uniquely immersive work that blends film, dance, new music and more. LBO is committed to centering underrepresented voices—striving to redefine the art form to make it more accessible to our entire community. Notable highlights include our 2019 world premiere of Anthony Davis' The Central Park Five, which won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize, and the 2023 premiere of Pulitzer-finalist Kate Soper's The Romance of the Rose.
LBO STUDIO
LBO Studio is our new company wing focused on advancing operatic commissions, building partnerships in film and television, and cultivating world premieres—all while seeking future projects and fresh talent. Here, you’ll get a first look at the exciting projects taking shape at LBO, and the innovative artists bringing them to life.
LBO
EDUCATION
Opera has the power to inspire, uplift, and connect us. At LBO, we’re passionate about sharing that experience with as many people as possible.
Through LBO Education, we bring live opera into classrooms and communities across the city, sparking imagination and opening hearts. Explore our commitment and join us in making it possible.
TEAM LBO
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Artistic Director & Chief creative officer
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Music Director
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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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Director of Production
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Director of Marketing & Brand
Greer Cohen
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Associate Creative Producer
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Administrative manager
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Box Office & Database Manager
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Education manager
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Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
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Marketing & Patron Services Coordinator
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DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INTERN
Lenna Ahmed
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PRODUCTION INTERN
Emma Spencer
Board of Directors
Officers
Mark Taylor • President
Marjorie Beale • Vice President
Gregg J. Loubier • Treasurer
Keith Simmons • Secretary
Members
Karen Molleson
Barbara Boies
Peolia Kansas (PK) Fonsworth III, M.D./M.B.A
Laurel Howat
Susan Bienkowski
Greta Johnson Mandell, M.D.
Bruce Robertson
Bill Shafton
LBO SUPPORTERS
Long Beach Opera gratefully acknowledges our generous supporters who ensure the future of bold, visionary art-making. If you would like to donate, you can do so here.
$100,000+
Anonymous
$20,000+
Marjorie Beale
$10,000+
Dr. P.K. Fonsworth, III
Gregg and Leslie Loubier
Matt Groening
Peter and Greta Mandell
Thomas Kren and Bruce Robertson
$5,000+
Anonymous
Mark Taylor
Marjorie Mautner
Raulee Marcus
Susan Bienkowski
$2,500+
Donald Pattison
Frank Gruber and Janet Levin
Keith Simmons
Ruth Gilliland and Arthur Rieman
Ruth and Rodney Punt
Stephen Block
$1,000+
Bobbie Frye
Byrwec Ellison
Cheryl Lew
Laurel Howat
$100+
Brett Bradbury
Chelsea Tan (Chaves)
Courtney Rizzo
Constance Rumer
Diane Molleson
Drs. John Goodman and Pauline Merry
Gerald Faris
Isabel Yepez
Junius Gonzales
Katharine Eaton
Marianne Afifi
Meredith Harewood
<$100+
Abha Pandya
Angie Chaves
Amy Bonham Howenstein
Anonymous(4)
Christina Hall
Christopher Arevalo
Hywel Sims
Ian Schipper
Julia Foster
Paul Garman
Sally Etcheto
V Michael Mottola
CORPORATE SPONSORS
The Boeing Company
The Port of Long Beach
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
Amphion Foundation
Arts Council for Long Beach
California Arts Council
Long Beach Community Foundation Frances Grover Fund
Perenchio Foundation
Ralph M Parsons Foundation