Trekkies around the world know the importance of the two-part Star Trek: The Original Series storyline “The Menagerie,” and, apparently, so does the University of California, Santa Cruz. However, UCSC gives the must-see episodes a musical twist in the music department’s upcoming Trial of Spock: An Opera in III Acts. Sounds fascinating, right? Well, if you’re interested in watching this opera-in-progress, you need to act fast.
The Trial of Spock will be presented at the UCSC Music Center Recital Hall on Sunday, March 8, at 4 p.m. PST. The music is composed by the university’s own Ben Leeds Carson, and the opera-in-progress will be presented in five scenes. Admittedly, Carson isn’t a Trekkie or Trekker, but he knows good storytelling. Carson said in an interview via the Santa Cruz weekly Good Times:
“I would call Star Trek a great American mythology. It’s essentially a part of who we are. Operas often tell stories about characters who we know in our culture. They don’t always start with a fresh idea that no one’s heard of, or a new story. Operas often tell stories that people already know the broad outlines of."
Carson continued by saying:
"And so, it builds on audience expectations and audience morals, and a sense of identity in the audience, that’s already shared. And Star Trek is a mythos that is widely shared in our culture and globally. I love the ability to tell that story that is resting already on some deep foundations in our culture."
Admission is FREE, but Star Trek fans will have to hurry. According to the website, “few tickets are left.” For those who are interested, tickets are only available through the Eventbrite website. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance. However, those not seated five minutes before The Trial of Spock could lose the opportunity to witness the opera.
In addition to my love of Star Trek, I am a confirmed theatre junkie, who spent my college days haunting the halls of my university’s theatrical and musical facilities. I love that UCSC is boldly going where no one has gone before by putting on an opera inspired by “The Menagerie.” If I lived closer to Santa Cruz, I would have already secured my seat.
Thanks for taking the time to compose the music for this event, Mr. Carson. As we say in the theatre, break a leg — I only hope that adage applies to opera, too. If not, live long and prosper. I’m sure The Trial of Spock will be a success, and I’ll be watching social media for clips from this creative endeavor. For more Star Trek content, visit the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!