Mercer University Opera concludes its season with a trio of modern one-act opera comedies combined into one production, titled The Charm of Chamber Opera, with performances April 3-6 in Fickling Hall. Dr. Martha Malone, will direct The Telephone and The Old Maid and the Thief by Gian Carlo Menotti, and Gallantry: A Soap Opera by Douglas Moore.

“The Telephone is a two-person curtain-raiser about the timeless conundrum of a young lady who will not get off the telephone,” said Dr. Malone, who serves as chair of the Vocal Department. “The Old Maid and the Thief centers on a case of mistaken identity and a tricky love triangle. And Gallantry is a ‘Dr. Kildaire’-style spoof on soap operas from the 1950s. All three pieces are very funny, in addition to offering excellent music. These are perfect shows for people to try if they have never been to an opera before.”