Operas have been captivating audiences and leaving them on their feet for centuries. These classic works have been seen and performed by some of the most famous artists throughout history and have inspired countless developments in music and theatre alike.

Operas have long been considered some of the most impressive forms of theatre in the industry, yet when it comes to college-aged students it is most likely not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of fun entertainment.

The cast and crew of ISU Theatre’s production of “Orpheus in the Underworld,” however, is hoping to change people’s perceptions of operas with a show that they believe to be two hours of “non-stop fun.”

“Orpheus in the Underworld” is a satire of Christoph Gluck’s “Orfeo ed Euridice,” a popular and influential opera at the time it was written. Though “Orpheus in the Underworld” is similar to the traditional myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, where the couple is torn apart when Eurydice is taken down to the underworld, the audience may find that the version coming to the Fisher Theater shares more similarities with a comedy movie than the original it is based on.

Rayna Morano, a senior in vocal music education, plays Eurydice in the show and says that when she first heard the songs and dialogue she was surprised at how similar some of the comedy was to the mainstream entertainment of today.

“The show was written in the 1850s, but it seems like it could have been written yesterday with how modern it is,” Morano said. “There are a lot of kind of raunchy jokes that are funny and seem like they could have come out of any stupid comedy movie you see… what we’re doing basically takes the original story, makes it a parody, and makes everything funny.”

Morano stresses that “Orpheus in the Underworld” is very different than what people usually believe a classic opera to be.

“It’s not like your typical idea of someone standing up in a corset and a big poofy dress singing this sappy song and crying,” Morano said. “I think it’s hard for our generation to wrap our heads around the fact that there are funny operas out there and that operas can be cool.”

Zachary Smith, a junior studying vocal music performance, plays the villain of the show in his role as Pluto and says that not only is the show fun for the audience, but it’s a role that he describes as sinfully fun to perform.

“Honestly, playing the character is almost too much fun,” Smith said. “Every night, I get to walk onstage and be the most shallow and self-indulgent version of myself, and then I get to perform some of the most fun numbers in the show with all the focus on me.”

Smith agrees that “Orpheus” is a show that can help change the perception that the public tends to have of operas and says that it can offer comic relief and a much needed break.

“With the world the way it is right now, sometimes you just need a comedy to make all your worries and fears go away,” Smith said.

Though musical performances are no stranger to the Fisher Theater stage, operas are only performed at Iowa State every three years.

This is due to the amount of work that goes into every aspect of the show and the large time commitment that every member of the cast and crew has to dedicate to the production. Unlike other productions, “Orpheus” is backed by a full orchestra. The cast is dressed in elaborate costumes, each character has two “very complicated” costume changes.

Not only does the construction of an opera differ from other musical shows that the department puts on, but the rehearsal process does as well.

The cast first began rehearsing in September where they spent two weeks focusing solely on the music followed by slowly adding staging and dancing.

“There’s more of an emphasis on singing over acting and dancing, which is fairly standard with operas,” Smith said. “Eventually the focus did come around to acting and dancing, which has made the show all the more fun to perform.”

All of the principal roles in Orpheus are performed by vocal majors, both Smith and Morano say that one of their favorite parts of the show is performing alongside their friends.

“Usually the show schedule here doesn’t offer a lot of opportunities for people who are classically trained in music,” Smith said. “But with an opera, a lot of [my peers] tried out for the show and a lot of them are leading cast members with me.” 

Morano says getting to do something that she loves with people that she cares about makes it all the more special.

“I’m not in most of the first act so I was watching the show and I literally started tearing up because I was so impressed with everyone,” Morano said. “Every person you look at on stage embodies their character, whether they have a principal role or not. It was a cool moment for me to look at my friends and how amazing they are.” 

Morano hopes that students will give this show a chance and says that it showcases certain talents are normally unknown to others.

“I wish that more people outside of the music world would come, which I know is hard for any production,” Morano said. “There are so many talents that people don’t necessarily see when you’re walking down the street… but that’s just what the arts have to deal with sometimes.”

Smith encourages those who are skeptical to give the show a chance, and says that it’s something that anyone can enjoy.

“Please come see our show,” Smith said. “I know it’s an opera, but don’t let that turn you away from the show. It’s so, so much fun, and I really think just about anyone can have a good time seeing it.”

ISU Theatre will be performing “Orpheus in the Underworld” Nov. 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $16 for students and $25 for adults and seniors. Tickets available through Iowa State Center Ticket Office, Ticketmaster, or the Fisher Theater box office prior to performances.