Southeast presents 30-minute operas for the modern audience

If you picture horned helmets and lyrics in a foreign language when you think of opera, think again.

Southeast Missouri State University's department of music's production of "Opera Americana" is in English with "everyday people not gods and goddesses" and starts tonight in the Shuck Recital Hall on the River Campus, said Chris Goeke, the chairman of the department and co-director of the show with Leslie Jones.

"I think it'll be a really nice way to see opera, especially for people who might be a little skittish about opera," he said.

"Opera Americana" consists of three one-act plays, all written by American composers. Each opera is about 30 minutes long and takes place in time periods not entirely foreign to modern audiences.

"Captain Lovelock" by John Duke is set in the 1920s. A widow comes home from a trip and announces to her children that she has hired a matchmaker to help her remarry. The daughters conspire with the maid to stop this midlife crisis decision.

"Blue Monday" is George Gershwin's story of Mike's Tavern and the consequences of jealousy. It's set in the 1940s and has also been performed as "135th Street" because of its setting in a basement bar near 135th Street and Lennox Avenue in Harlem.

"The Opening" takes a look at all that goes into opening night and all those who go to it. Alec Wilder writes about the playwrights, critics, ushers and audience of a show.

"I'm actually really excited about it because it's our first chance to do opera in this new facility," Goeke said.

Performances today and Friday start at 7:30 p.m. and last about one-and-a-half hours. Tickets are $7 general admission, $6 for faculty and staff and $1 for students. To order in advance, visit metrotix.com, keyword "opera theatre," call 800-293-5949, or go to the River Campus Box Office, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or call 651-2265. Tickets will also be available at the door.