Sung in English with a new translation by Josh Shaw, this production celebrates the 50th anniversary of Star Trek -- and the 25th anniversary of Festival Opera, both in 2016. 

   The original story of the opera revolves around an attempt by the hero Belmonte (now called Captain James T. Belmonte, sung by tenor Brian Cheney) and his servant (first officer) Mr. Pedrillo (Robert Norman as the Spock-inspired character) to rescue his girlfriend. The girlfriend, Lieutenant Constanza (portrayed by soprano Shawnette Sulker),

along with her servant Blondie (Sara Duchovnay), has been kidnapped by Selim (what was an Ottoman empire governor has been transformed into a Klingon warlord, sung by bass Kevin Thompson).
   Maestro Michael Morgan will conduct the Bay Area debut of this opera/TV show mash-up. The concept, libretto and direction is by Josh Shaw, who is the artistic director of Pacific Opera Project where the production was presented in March 2015 after its 2014 debut at the Southern Illinois Music Festival.
   More information about Festival Opera's production, slated for early August 2016, will be coming soon.