Opera Parallèle will launch the 2025-26 season with “Hello, Star,” a Hands-On Opera World Premiere from composer Carla Lucero and librettist Jarrod Lee.

The opera will be showcased three times on Oct. 25 and 26, 2025 at the Creativity Theater, Children’s Creativity Museum, located at Yerba Buena Gardens.

The work is based on Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic’s acclaimed book and tells the story of a young Black girl named Celeste who notices a bright light in the night sky, and learns its origin is a dying star. She pledges to keep it company — every night telling the star she is still there. As Celeste grows up, the star becomes her inspiration as she dreams of becoming an astronaut to be there to witness the star’s final fade. The one-act opera celebrates curiosity, intergenerational connections, and contributions of Black women to science.

The cast includes the company debut of Aniyjah Garrett (Young Celeste), along with Christabel Nunoo (Adult Celeste), Aisha Campbell (Mother/Trainer), and Bradley Kynard (Big Star).

Renowned director and actor L. Peter Callender will direct.

In a statement Callender said, “What drives my vision for ‘Hello, Star’ is the chance to show young audiences that scientific curiosity and artistic expression spring from the same source—pure wonder. When I think about trailblazers like Dr. Mae Jemison, who became the first Black woman astronaut, and Dr. Katherine Johnson, whose mathematical genius made the moon landing possible, and Stephanie D. Wilson, who proved through multiple shuttle missions that space welcomes determined dreamers. This opera is my love letter to every child who has ever looked up at the night sky and wondered ‘what if?’—and my commitment to ensuring they see themselves among the stars.”

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