“L’italiana in Algeri” is a festival of love, with each character deeply yearning for another. There’s nothing more entertaining than a messy love plot, and that’s just what Opera in the Heights provides.
This classic opera by Rossini was given a fresh, modern twist by Opera in the Heights, and the result was a captivating mix of vibrant performances, witty humor, and bold artistic choices.

Bellaire High School viewed the final dress rehearsal of Opera in the Heights’ production of “L’Italiana in Algeri” on a field trip on April 2. Opera in the Heights will be performing the show from April 4 to April 12.

The story follows Isabella, an Italian woman who outwits Mustafà, the Bey of Algiers, to rescue her beloved Lindoro. In this modern production, Opera in the Heights updates the tale with a fun cruise ship setting, making the world of eunuchs and old-fashioned courtrooms feel a bit more contemporary. Gone are the court’s staff, replaced by an energetic cabin crew, with Lindoro transformed from Mustafa’s former Italian slave to his now-enslaved valet.

The set design, placing you aboard a contemporary cruise ship, was visually stunning, with shades of blue and gold creating a sense of luxury. Modern-day props like vacuums and dusters provided unexpected humor, and the costumes were bold and creative, reflecting each character’s essence. Isabella’s wardrobe, for instance, was a perfect blend of elegance and freedom, with flowing vacation dresses and pantsuits that matched her confident persona. Isabella is no damsel in distress, not bowing to Mustafa’s demands of love. The way she manipulated, fooled and charmed throughout the opera easily made her my favorite character.

Mustafa, on the other hand, was decked out in an assortment of loud, bright suits and robes, which only enhanced his striking and flashy character. Elvira’s all-black attire with gold accents made her inner turmoil and obsession with winning back Mustafa clear, whilst still maintaining her elevated status, contributing to the opera’s visual storytelling.

“L’italiana in Algeri” is an opera buffa, or a comical opera all about lighthearted situations, and this rendition did not disappoint. The vibrant and energetic musical score was matched by a dynamic orchestra, whose performance was simply flawless. Their instruments blended together in perfect harmony, from bold brass bursts to delicate, soft melodies that enthralled me in the story. My ears were in a tizzy, but I’d follow the conductor to the ends of the Earth based on how he led the orchestra.

Although sung in Italian, the actors’ powerful vocal performances, rich with emotion, made it easy to follow the plot and a perfect experience for those new to opera or with a short attention span.

The performances themselves were stellar. The energy of the cast was incredible, with actors holding their own for the full two-hour and thirty-minute performance. I was particularly impressed by how the orchestra maintained its energy throughout the show without a hint of fatigue.

A small factor I loved was the makeup department’s attention to detail. The delicate, rosy pink blush on the actresses which gave them a doll-like appearance, enhancing the fairy tale atmosphere.

Though the performance did face a small hiccup with a broken prop, the team handled it smoothly, showing professionalism and keeping the show flowing seamlessly.

Overall, “L’Italiana in Algeri” at Opera in the Heights was an unforgettable experience. A delightful mix of romance, comedy and excellent music. I highly recommend catching one of their performances, especially if you’re looking for a fresh and fun take on a beloved classic.