Pittsburgh Opera Presents: Fellow Travelers
Written by Arlo Grey MacFarland
From Friday, November 14, to Sunday, November 16, 2025, the Pittsburgh Opera proudly presents the 2016 production Fellow Travelers at the Byham Theater.
Based on the 2007 novel by Thomas Mallon, Fellow Travelers takes a spin on a 1950s queer love story, where both main characters are actively working against themselves. Originally premiering in 2016 at the Cincinnati Opera, this critically-acclaimed show is taking the stage in Pittsburgh.
“At the height of the McCarthy era, naive college graduate Timothy Laughlin comes to Washington eager to join the crusade against communism. But a chance encounter with a handsome State Department official, Hawkins Fuller, leads to Tim’s first job—and his first relationship with a man.
Under the threat of increased government scrutiny, this complicated and clandestine affair will put both men’s loyalties and convictions to the ultimate test. As the poisonous political climate pollutes their relationship, love becomes a casualty of what it takes to “play the game” in Washington.” (Pittsburgh Opera Website)
As Pittsburgh Opera describes it, it’s “The Red Scare, tinted lavender,” combining two major fears of 1950s society. Described as “gut-wrenching,” Fellow Travelers is sure to have the audience on the edge of their seats. The Byham Theater is located at 101 Sixth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Tickets are available for purchase here, starting as low at $10.
