Much like human history, opera is epic in scale, full of murders and romantic intrigue, and frequently interrupted by deformed men in half-masks and capes. Get in on the grandeur with today's Groupon: for $35, you get a ticket to Flight at Austin Lyric Opera (up to a $126 value). Your Groupon grants you seating in the mezzanine or better, with the exception of premier seating, and it is only good for the Wednesday, April 13, performance at 7:30 p.m.

The Austin Lyric Opera provides noteworthy performances under the careful guidance of renowned American conductor Richard Buckley. Join him and a wide range of potent pipes for an evening of airport-bound drama.

Set in airport disrupted by an electrical storm, Flight dramatizes the travails of the stranded passengers, a frustrated flight controller, and a mysterious refugee, avoiding immigration officials and malevolent moving sidewalks. Originally commissioned by the Glyndebourne Touring Opera in 1998, the opera's fast-moving comedy, accessible English libretto, and familiar setting have made Flight one of the most successful new operas in recent years. Whether the lyrics flow out in English, Pig Latin, or Wingdings, the Austin Lyric Opera proudly supertitles all performances by projecting English translations or captions above the stage so audiences can easily follow every moment of the plot.

Although the Austin Lyric Opera aims to provide elegant performances, it still invites its guests to let their hair or facial hair down while attending. Feel free to dress in a style and comfort that suits. With love, betrayal, and a catchy score, Flight is primed to delight the eyes, ears, ears where eyes should be, and eyes where ears should be of humans and monocled mutants alike. Latecomers should be warned that attendees who arrive after the music begins will not be seated until intermission, so guests should be sure to arrive early for the 7:30 p.m. performance.

Reviews

Austin Lyric Opera's past productions have gotten a great deal of press from local media critics and bloggers such as the Austin American-Statesman and the Austin Chronicle:

• Opulent sets and costumes, a passionately conducted score and solid performances from the singers marked the robust performance. – Jeanne Claire van Ryzin, Austin American-Statesman
• The story ends as you knew it must, in tragedy, but by the time the vengeful jester sees his daughter's life slip away, you will have felt that thrill of the tale told well, taken a journey that's involving, enthralling, fresh. – Robert Faires, Austin Chronicle