What is “kismet”? This exotic-sounding word for “fate” or “destiny” descends from Arabic and entered the English language in the early 19th century by way of Turkish. It’s most often used in a romantic context, and ordinarily carries a positive connotation. When the ambitious classic Broadway musical titled Kismet comes to the Granada Theatre on October 23 and 24, it will represent that meaning in multiple ways.
Within the story of the show, kismet occurs when the love interests of the main characters are finally realized, and all apparent obstacles to a happy ending are overcome. As an episode in the ongoing saga of Santa Barbara’s performing arts scene, Kismet represents kismet in another way, as it applies equally well to the happy ending of our prolonged separation from the pleasures of live, in-person concerts and theater. Finally, this particular production of Kismet reflects the kismet of a lifetime of positive karma in the person of its producer, Sara Miller McCune, who has made many extraordinary contributions to the arts in Santa Barbara through her support of our arts organizations.
McCune, who will turn 81 in February, first conceived of this grand project in anticipation of her 80th birthday, before the COVID pandemic slowed theater production to a standstill. Undeterred, and with the assistance of a team that included the Santa Barbara Symphony, State Street Ballet, and Broadway producer Ken Davenport, she persevered, and thanks to her indomitable spirit, Kismet has come to pass.