Opera San José is set to present the South Bay premiere of John Adams’ “Doctor Atomic,” the company’s first opera by the celebrated Berkeley-based composer, arriving just ahead of his 80th birthday.

Set in the final hours before the world’s first atomic bomb test, the opera follows J. Robert Oppenheimer and the scientists of the Manhattan Project as they confront the moral and human consequences of their work.

The production will star baritone Johnathan McCullough in his company debut as Oppenheimer, joined by mezzo-soprano Laura Krumm as his wife, Kitty. General Director & CEO Shawna Lucey directs, and Music Director Joseph Marcheso conducts, reuniting the creative team behind “Bluebeard’s Castle,” with set design by Steven C. Kemp, costume design by Caitlin Cisek, and lighting design by Michael Clark.

The opera will be performed between Feb. 14 and 28, 2027 at the California Theatre.

Read Related Stories