SF Opera Debuted Mary, Queen of Scots Production
The production opened September 26 at the War Memorial Opera House with Heidi Stober in the title role.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Opera
Opera goers at the War Memorial Opera House saw the debut of the co-produced Mary, Queen of Scots this week. The production features a staging design by Stewart Laing and music by Thea Musgrave.
Why it matters
The company last staged this work in 1977, marking a rare return for the opera to the San Francisco stage. This new iteration interprets the 16th-century narrative through a modern lens, utilizing contemporary wardrobe like puff jackets.
The production includes 5 total performances scheduled during its run. While the opening show proceeded as scheduled, the status of the remaining performances remains unknown following a prior cancellation due to an orchestra strike.
The players
Heidi Stober
The performer who starred in the title role of the production.
Clelia Cafiero
The conductor who led the orchestra for the performance.
Stewart Laing
The designer responsible for the current staging of the opera.
Thea Musgrave
The composer who wrote the libretto and score for the opera.
The details
Clelia Cafiero conducted the orchestra for this co-production with the English National Opera. The staging presents the story with a unique visual identity, incorporating a large tent under construction and a metal fence across the front of the stage. Performers move through the 16th-century history while wearing modern attire, including windbreakers.
Timeline
1977: The San Francisco Opera first presented this opera.
September 26, 2026: The current production was performed at the War Memorial Opera House.
Across the Bay
This production brings the work back to the stage for the first time since the 1977 San Francisco Opera presentation. The return marks a significant departure in staging, updating the historical material with modern set pieces and contemporary clothing.
If you hold tickets for upcoming dates at the War Memorial Opera House, check your email for any operational updates from the box office. You should confirm the status of your specific performance time before heading to the Civic Center area.
The takeaway
Audience members can observe how this production reinterprets historical narratives through its choice of modern costume and set design. Check the official company calendar regularly to track if the remaining scheduled performances proceed as planned.
Further reading
Find more updates on the season schedule at the Opera section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Seenandheard-international.
