Opera

Lincoln in the Bardo

A groundbreaking new opera fuses history, fantasy, and the supernatural, with an acclaimed composer and a Booker Prize novel at its core.

Based on George Saunders’s Booker Prize–winning novel, this opera blends history, fantasy, and the supernatural for a genre-defying night out.

Featuring a libretto by Royce Vavrek and a score by acclaimed composer Missy Mazzoli, the show has earned rave reviews and critical acclaim.

Themes of grief, love, and the afterlife are explored through haunting visuals, inventive staging, and a chorus of ghostly narrators—book Lincoln in the Bardo New York tickets for a truly unique experience.

This highly anticipated world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera House is a limited-run event, making it a must-see for opera lovers and fans of contemporary theater alike.

The story

Set in a shadowy, liminal 19th-century graveyard, the story follows Abraham Lincoln as he visits the tomb of his young son, Willie. Caught between worlds, Lincoln is observed by a chorus of spirits, each with unfinished business and their own tales of longing. As the president mourns, the ghosts confront their regrets and hopes, weaving history with the surreal. What will Lincoln choose in the bardo—and can love transcend even death?

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Show details

Categories: Opera, Drama, True Story, Critics' Choice

Audience Age Limit: Suitable for all ages

Theater name: Metropolitan Opera House

Find the best seats in the house with the Metropolitan Opera House seating plan

Facilities: Bar, restaurant, restrooms, cloakroom, lounge, elevators

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, accessible restrooms, accessible seating, assistive listening devices, ramps

Cast & crew

Leading roles: Peter Mattei as Abraham Lincoln, Anthony Roth Costanzo as Roger Bevins III, Christine Goerke as Reverend Everly Thomas, Michael Mayes as Hans Vollman

Director: Lileana Blain-Cruz

Composer: Missy Mazzoli

Libretto: Royce Vavrek

Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin

Set designer: Adam Rigg

Costume designer: Montana Levi Blanco

Lighting designer: Yi Zhao

Additional info

This show is suitable for all ages.

Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!

Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.

Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.

Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show

Frequently asked questions about Lincoln in the Bardo

Q: How much do Lincoln in the Bardo New York tickets cost?

A: Prices may change based on your choice of seats and show dates.

Q: Where is Lincoln in the Bardo playing in New York?

A: The opera is playing at the Metropolitan Opera House.

Q: How long does the performance run?

A: The show lasts for about 3 hours, including one intermission.

Q: What’s the story about?

A: The opera follows Abraham Lincoln as he visits his son's grave, encountering a chorus of spirits in a surreal, moving meditation on grief and hope.

Q: Is the show suitable for children?

A: There’s no strict age limit, and the opera is suitable for all ages, though its themes may resonate more with teens and adults.

Q: What makes Lincoln in the Bardo unique?

A: The opera combines a Booker Prize-winning novel, a Pulitzer-winning composer, and inventive staging for a one-of-a-kind theatrical event.

You will receive an email confirming your purchase.

You will receive your e-tickets via email within 3 hours from the time of the booking. You can access your tickets by clicking on the link available on the email.

If you book tickets more than 14 days in advance, you will receive the tickets 14 days prior to the show date.

The ticket can be presented digitally along with a valid photo ID at the entrance on the day of your visit.

Please note most of the theatres do not allow entry post the show start time and we recommend you reach the venue 10-15 minutes early.