Duration
2 hrs with 1 interval
Closing Date
Until November 14, 2026
Why Watch Lincoln in the Bardo?
- Adapted from George Saunders’s Booker Prize–winning novel, Lincoln in the Bardo brings its surreal, historical tale to the stage in New York as a genre-defying opera.
- Featuring a score by acclaimed composer Missy Mazzoli and a libretto by Royce Vavrek, the show is helmed by visionary director Lileana Blain-Cruz.
- The story blends history, the supernatural, and raw emotion, exploring grief, love, and the afterlife through inventive staging and haunting choral work.
- This is a limited-run world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera House—critics are already calling it “a bold new chapter for American opera.” Book your tickets before it vanishes.
Lincoln in the Bardo transforms George Saunders’s acclaimed novel into a bold new opera at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. With music by Missy Mazzoli and a libretto by Royce Vavrek, this genre-blurring production fuses historical drama, the supernatural, and a deeply human story of loss. Visionary director Lileana Blain-Cruz brings the Civil War era to life with inventive staging and a chorus of spirits, while the score weaves haunting melodies and choral textures. This limited-run world premiere promises a theatrical experience that’s as moving as it is unique—ideal for fans of literary adaptations, opera, and history alike.
Storyline
Set in 1862, Lincoln in the Bardo follows President Abraham Lincoln as he mourns the death of his young son, Willie. In a Georgetown cemetery, Lincoln’s grief draws him into a liminal world inhabited by ghosts, each with unfinished business. As the living and the dead collide, the boundaries between love, loss, and letting go blur. Will Lincoln find the strength to let go, allowing his son's spirit to finally move on?
Show timings
Show timings for Lincoln in the Bardo may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
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
Age Suitability
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
About Theatre
The Metropolitan Opera House is a landmark venue at Lincoln Center, renowned for its grand architecture and world-class acoustics. Opened in 1966, it’s famed for its iconic crystal chandeliers, sweeping staircases, and Marc Chagall murals. The Met has hosted legendary productions and global stars, making it a cultural cornerstone in New York’s performing arts scene. Whether for classic operas or bold new works, the Met’s stage is synonymous with artistic excellence.
The Metropolitan Opera House seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting There
Facilities & Accessibility
Available facilities: elevator, bar, restrooms
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible, assistive listening devices, wheelchair spaces available, companion seating, guide dogs allowed, step-free access
Additional Information
- 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.
Tickets Redemption
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Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
Ticket prices vary depending on seat location and performance date. Check the official booking page for the latest prices and availability.
There is no age limit. However, due to its mature themes of grief and the supernatural, parental discretion is advised.
The production is staged at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center in New York.
The opera follows Abraham Lincoln as he mourns his son Willie, encountering a chorus of spirits in a Georgetown cemetery, blending history and the supernatural.
The running time is approximately 3 hours with 1 intermission.
Leading roles include Peter Mattei as Abraham Lincoln, Anthony Roth Costanzo as Roger Bevins III, and Christine Goerke as The Reverend.
The music is composed by Missy Mazzoli, with a libretto by Royce Vavrek.
Yes, this is a limited-run world premiere engagement at the Metropolitan Opera House.
The opera explores themes of grief, love, the afterlife, and the boundaries between the living and the dead.
The production contains themes of death, grief, and the supernatural, which may not be suitable for younger audiences.
