Skip to Content

The Arts Intel Report

Billy Budd, by Benjamin Britten

Sept 7–22, 2019
301 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

Michael Grandage’s purposely traditional production of Britten’s Billy Budd won high marks in England, where it originated. Yet ultimately, the fate of this all-male, maritime masterpiece rests on the shoulders of the barihunk cast as the Apollonian, stuttering hero. All eyes are on John Chest. —M.G.

Britten’s Billy Budd in rehearsal at San Francisco Opera. Photo: Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera