POPeracast

POPeracast host Anthony Whitson-Martini discusses the new opera Zorro with composer Héctor Armienta.  Come see Zorro at POP's new production at the San Gabrial Mission Playhouse! Saturday May 16, 2026 | 7:30PM Sunday May 17, 2026 | 3:00PM

POPeracast host and Director of Education and Engagement Anthony Whitson-Martini discusses the new season with Artistic Director Josh Shaw.

Join new host Anthony Whitson-Martini for an intimate salon with POP Family and the cast of Abduction from the Seraglio.  Artistic Director Josh Shaw even tells the story of how "the best dumb idea" came to life! Friday February 6, 2026 | 7:30PM Saturday February 7, 2026 | 7:30PM Sunday February 8, 2026 | 3:00PM Thorne Auditorium - Occidental College 1600 Campus Road Los Angeles, California 90041  

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel introduces Director of Education and Engagement  Anthony Whitson-Martini to the POP Family.  Anthony is taking over POPeracast, and we couldn't be more excited!   Abduction from the Seraglio (in the style of a popular science fiction franchise...)  Thorne Hall - Occidental College Friday February 6, 2026 | 7:30PM Saturday February 7, 2026 | 7:30PM Sunday February 8, 2026 | 3:00PM

Jennifer sits down with Josh Shaw to discuss POP's 15th Anniversary Season.

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel introduces tenor Patrick Bessenbacher, the devious Count Bandiera in POP's upcoming production of Antonio Salieri's La scuola de' gelosi, to the POP family.  La scuola de' gelosi  Friday January 10, 2025 | 7:30PM Saturday January 11, 2025 | 7:30PM Sunday January 12, 2025 | 3:00PM Friday January 17, 2025 | 7:30PM Saturday January 18, 2025 | 3:00PM Sunday January 19, 2025 | 3:00PM The Highland Park Ebell Club 131 S Avenue 57 ​Los Angeles, CA 90042

Watch the video version on YouTube! Jennifer Miller Hammel discusses POP's upcoming production of Don Bucefalo with conductor/harpsichordist Kyle Naig. Saturday November 2, 2024 | 7:30PM Sunday November 3, 2024 | 3:00PM Friday November 8, 2024 | 7:30PM Saturday November 9, 2024 | 7:30PM Sunday November 10, 2024 | 3:00PM The Garibaldina 4533 N Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90065   Tickets at pacificoperaproject.com

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammell discusses the Los Angeles premiere of Rusalka with guests soprano Rachel Blaustein, mezzo Erin Alford, tenor Derrek Stark, and bass Steve Pence. Get your tickets now! Friday July 12, 2024 Saturday July 13, 2024 Sunday July 14, 2024 Friday July 19, 2024 Saturday July 20, 2024 Sunday July 21, 2024 All shows at 7:30PM Descanso Gardens 418 Descanso Dr La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel does a deep dive with co-librettiests Josh Shaw and Eiki Isomura before the revival of POP's hit Japanese/English production of Madama Butterfly. Get your tickets now!  They are going fast because the Opera America annual conference is in Los Angeles during the run. JACCC's Aratani Theatre Saturday June 1, 2024 | 7:00pm Sunday June 2, 2024 | 3:00pm Friday June 7, 2024 | 8:00pm Sunday June 9, 2024 | 3:00pm   2024-25 Season Tickets on sale NOW!

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel sits down with Josh Shaw to discuss POP's upcoming 2024/25 season.  Full season ticket packages on sale now! Don't miss the revival of the bilingual Japanese/English Madama Butterfly at the Aratani Theater in Little Tokyo.    Two Weekends ONLY June 1,2,7,9 2024

Avery Boettcher, Schyler Vargas, and Chloe Sundet had some more funny stories to share!   One Weekend ONLY  February 17-18, 2024 Thorne Hall, Occidental College 

Jennifer Miller Hammel discusses the upcoming production of Die Fledermaus with cast members Avery Boettcher, Schyler Vargas, and Chloe Sundet.   One Weekend ONLY  February 17-18, 2024 Thorne Hall, Occidental College 

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel sits down with soprano Rachel Policar, tenor William Grundler, and conductor Caleb Yanez Glickman to discuss the Los Angeles PREMIERE! of Derek Wang's Scalia/Ginsberg, paired with the Gilbert & Sullivan early one act comedy Trial by Jury, which in true POP-style, is reimagined in 1980's LA Divorce Court.  Scalia/Ginsberg - Trial by Jury will be performed at the Highland Park Ebell Club Friday November 17, 2023 | 7:00pm Saturday November 18, 2023 | 7:00pm Sunday November 19, 2023 | 3:00pm Friday November 24, 2023 | 7:00pm Saturday November 25, 2023 | 7:00pm Sunday November 26, 2023 | 3:00pm https://www.pacificoperaproject.com/scalia-ginsburg-trial-by-jury

Jennifer Miller Hammel talks opera, sweets, and childhood trauma with POP favorites Christine Li and Tiffany Ho.  Come see them as the title characters in Hansel and Gretel at Descanso Gardens.  The show is free with admission to the gardens! PLEASE bring kids!  The opera has been abridged to 1 hour and translated into English. Friday August 4, 2023 | 5:30pm Saturday August 5, 2023 | 5:30pm Sunday August 6, 2023 | 3:00pm Sunday August 6, 2023 | 5:30pm  

Get the inside scoop on the 2023/24 "Hollywood" Season at POP with host Jennifer Miller Hammel and Artistic Director Josh Shaw. Season tickets on sale now at pacificoperaproject.com

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel catches up with the "young lovers" Mable and Frederic, portrayed by Chloe Sundet and Brian Wallin, in POP's about to open production of Pirates of Penzance.   Pirates of Penzance May 19-28, 2023 at Forest Lawn Glendale

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel discusses opera training, voice types, musical theater, SONDHEIM!, and tropical drinks with old friends Emily Geller and Jake Stamatis, Ruth and the Pirate King in POP's upcomming Pirates of Penzance.  Pirates of Penzance May 19-28, 2023 at Forest Lawn Glendale  

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel (RE!)-introduces Katherine Powers to the POP audience. Get your tickets to POPaganza on April 26, 2023 NOW. It is almost sold out! Pirates of Penzance May 19-28, 2023 at Forest Lawn Glendale.

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel plays video games with E. Scott Levin and Arnold Livingston Geis while discussing #superflute!

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel is joined by Janet Todd (Butterfly, Yum-Yum, Mimi) and Meagan Martin (Mercedes, Rosina, Tisbe) to dish about all things Ercole! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!  POP is back with the US Premiere of Vivaldi's Ercole su'l Termodonte at the intimate Highland Park Ebell Club for 8 performances January 6 - 21.

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel talks with tenor Logan Webber about his title role of Ercole. (AKA Hercules!)  GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!  POP is back with the US Premiere of Vivaldi's Ercole su'l Termodonte at the intimate Highland Park Ebell Club for 8 performances January 6 - 21.

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel discuss singing high notes and other Baroque concerns with countertenors Michael Skarke and Kyle Tingzon. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!  POP is back with the US Premiere of Vivaldi's Ercole su'l Termodonte at the intimate Highland Park Ebell Club for 8 performances January 6 - 21.

Josh Shaw and Jennifer Miller Hammel discuss Vivaldi's recently re-discovered Ercole su'l Termodonte, POP's upcoming Immersive Baroque Opera experience. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!  POP is back at the intimate Highland Park Ebell Club for 8 performances January 6 - 21.

Today we learned Brandon J. Gibson, the librettist for I Can't Breath, passed away.  In his memory we wanted to re-post our interview with him and composer Leslie Burrs from April 2022 about POP's production of I Can't Breath. Brandon's Memorial Page: https://everloved.com/life-of/brandon-gibson/

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel chats with Amy Lawrence about her operatic journey and multifaceted contributions to many of POP's most memerable productions! http://www.sopranoamylawrence.com/ http://amylawrencedance.com/ Get your tickets to Elixer of Love (or season tickets?!) now at https://www.pacificoperaproject.com/

POP Favorites Oriana Falla and Arnold Livingston Geis join POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel to discuss their path to opera, getting friend-zone'd, 1950's kitsch, and the upcoming production of Elixer of Love. https://orianafalla.com/ https://www.arnoldlivingstongeis.com/ Get your tickets to Elixer of Love (or season tickets?!) now at https://www.pacificoperaproject.com/

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller-Hammel discusses the 50's inspired production of Elixer of Love with conductor Kyle Naig, and they also preview the concept of POP's January 2023 imersive baroque opera house experience Ercole su'l Termodonte. https://www.kylenaig.com/ Get your tickets to Elixer of Love (or season tickets?!) now at https://www.pacificoperaproject.com/  

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel discusses the behind the scenes aspect of POP's most technically ambitions show yet with long-time POP costumer Maggie Green and Artistic Director Josh Shaw. Subscribe to POPeracast! https://poperacast.libsyn.com/ Into the Woods is SOLD OUT! Don't miss out again! 2022-23 Season Tickets available at https://www.pacificoperaproject.com/season-tickets

Jennifer Miller Hammel discusses the 2022-23 season with POP Artistic Director Josh Shaw.  For the first time full season tickets are available! Get yours now at https://www.pacificoperaproject.com/season-tickets

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel introduces POP audiences to important new opera I Can't Breath with special guests composer Leslie Burrs and librettist Brandon J. Gibson.   Get your tickets now for the west coast premier of I Can't Breath. Purchase Tickets El Portal Theatre 5269 Lankershim Blvd North Hollywood, CA May 13, 2022 | 8:00 May 14, 2022 | 6:00 May 15, 2022 | 3:00​

Jennifer Miller Hammel catches up with one of POP's favorite operatic power couples, Megan and Andrew Potter!  Come see them rumble the house with all the low notes! Get your tickets to Iolanta NOW! March 26 at 7:30pm March 27 at 3:00pm Aratani Theater, Los Angeles

Jennifer Miller Hammel discusses Iolanta with tenor Benjamin Werley and baritone Simon Barrad, Count Vaudemont and Duke Robert in POP's production.  This dynamic duo prove that tenors and baritones can get along! Get your tickets to Iolanta NOW! March 20 and 27 at 3pm, March 26 at 7:30pm Aratani Theater, Los Angeles

POPeracast is joined by Scene Change, the National Association for the Blind Performing Arts Division podcast, for a joint episode with the Iolanta creative team including Artistic Director Josh Shaw, soprano Christina Jones, and conductor Isaac Selya.   Special Thanks to Lizzy Muhammed-Park and Katelyn MacIntyre of Scene Change for the collaboration on the joint episode! Get your tickets to Iolanta NOW! March 20 and 27 at 3pm, March 26 at 7:30pm Aratani Theater, Los Angeles

POPeracast is joined by Scene Change, the National Association for the Blind Performing Arts Division podcast, for a joint episode with the Iolanta creative team including Artistic Director Josh Shaw, soprano Christina Jones, and conductor Isaac Selya.   Special Thanks to Lizzy Muhammed-Park and Katelyn MacIntyre of Scene Change for the collaboration on the joint episode! Get your tickets to Iolanta NOW! March 20 and 27 at 3pm, March 26 at 7:30pm Aratani Theater, Los Angeles  

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel catches up with Erin Theodorakis and Daniel Scofield to discuss the questionable parenting received by Hansel & Gretel, and we finally get to hear from the crazy kids themselves Kara Morgan and Emily Rosenberg. Will the kiddos make it out?  Find out November 13,14,20,21 at the family friendly time of 5pm atop the hill at Forest Lawn Glendale. Visit pacificoperaproject.com for more details

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller Hammel catches up with Melanie Ashkar, Anastasia Malliaras, and Brooke Iva Lohman the Witch, Sandman, and Dew Fairy of Hansel & Gretel before a POP Showcase, and has an online conversation with conductor/pianist Brian Holman.  We also had our recorder running at the showcase! Will the kiddos make it out?  Find out November 13,14,20,21 at the family friendly time of 5pm atop the hill at Forest Lawn Glendale. Visit pacificoperaproject.com for more details

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller catches up with Chelsea Lehnea and Meagan Martin, Cinderella's evil stepsisters.  She also meets with conductor Kristin Roach to get the origin story of this fairy tale production!  Catch the hijinks ONE NIGHT ONLY Friday August 27, 2021 at the Ford in La cenerentola, Rossini's Bel Canto version of the Cinderella story. pacificoperaproject.com for more details

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller catches up with Andrew Allen Hiers, E. Scott Levin, and Joel Balzun while visiting an *exclusive* salon for POP donors and volunteers.  Sign up to support POP, and you could be there with us next time! Catch these barihunks® ONE NIGHT ONLY Friday August 27, 2021 at the Ford in La cenerentola, Rossini's Bel Canto version of the Cinderella story. pacificoperaproject.com for more details

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller discusses bracelets, pants, and theatrical shutdowns with Stephanie Doche and Arnold Livingston Geis.  See them ONE NIGHT ONLY Friday August 27, 2021 at the Ford in La cenerentola, Rossini's Bel Canto version of the Cinderella story. pacificoperaproject.com for more details

Host Jennifer Miller discusses the just announced 2021/22 season with Artistic Director Josh Shaw.   Tickets for La Cenerentola are on sale now!  One night only!   August 27, 2021 https://www.theford.com/events/performances/1310/2021-08-27/cinderella

POPeracast host Jennifer Miller visits Don Procopio rehearsal to discuss Bizet, ostriches, and rediscovering music with buffos Ben Lowe, E. Scott Levin, and Armando Contreras, mezzo Jessica Gonzales-Rodriguez, director Josh Shaw, conductor Charlie Kim, and the romantic leads Jon Keenan and Rachel Policar.  A good friend also comes by to bid us adieu. DON PROCOPIO BY GEORGES BIZET June 4, 5, and 6 @ 8PM Gates open at 7:00 for picnicking Heritage Square Museum 3800 Homer Street

New POPeracast host Jennifer Miller sits down with Rachel and William Grundler, Matthew Ian Welch, and Eleen Hsu-Wentlandt, AKA the Don P chorus of ostrich wranglers, to discuss practice, choral numbers, returning to performance, and, of course, ostriches.   DON PROCOPIO BY GEORGES BIZET June 4, 5, and 6 @ 8PM Gates open at 7:00 for picnicking Heritage Square Museum 3800 Homer Street

POPeracast host Andreas Kraemer continues his zoom happy hour with the cast and crew of Trouble in Tahiti. Trouble in Tahiti will be performed at Heritage Square on April 24 and 25, 2021.  Get your tickets NOW!

POPeracast host Andreas Kraemer zooms with the cast and crew of Trouble in Tahiti!  It was such a good talk, this is just half of it... stay tuned! Trouble in Tahiti will be performed at Heritage Square on April 24 and 25, 2021.  Get your tickets NOW!

Host Andreas Kraemer zooms with Maria Dominique Lopez, returning as Musetta in this final hipster production.  We also check in with veterans Keith Colclough and E. Scott Levine. The final presentations of this ICONIC POP production will be December 12 and 13 at 5:30pm.  Get your tickets now at pacificoperaproject.com.

Host Andreas Kraemer zooms with Arnold Livingston Geis and Oriana Falla, Rodolfo and Mimi in this final hipster production.  We also check in with Ben Lowe, returning as Marcello, and get the scoop from slumlord/sugar daddy/churro vendor Luvi Avendano, who does quadruple duty as the music director at Camarillo UMC about how this drive in experiment came to be. The final presentations of this ICONIC POP production will be December 11,12,13 at 5:30pm.  Get your tickets now at pacificoperaproject.com.

Host Andreas Kraemer zooms with Jessica Sandidge, Tiffany Ho, Meagan Martin, Audrey Yoder, and conductor Kyle Naig to discuss POP's drive-in American premiere of two one-act operas by Gluck. La Corona & Il Parnaso Confuso: November 20 and 21 COVID fan tutte: One last show November 22 Drive in opera at the parking lot of Camarillo United Methodist Church  

Host Andreas Kraemer zooms with Scott Levin, Ariel Pisturino, Jamie Chamberlin, Nathan Granner, and Christina Pezzarossi to discuss POP's new drive-in opera experience. COVID fan tutte: November 14, 15, and 22 in the parking lot of Camarillo United Methodist Church.

Andreas does a deep dive with Eiki Isomura and Josh Shaw in preparation for the 7/15 Watch Party revisiting POP's Japanese-English reimagining of Puccini's Madama Butterfly. Tune in 7/15 at 5pm PDT on POP's YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Andreas continues his conversation with Josh and Scott to cover the process of writing a new libretto, collaborations, opera in quarantine, and LIGHTNING ROUND!