Emmerich Kalman’s The Gypsy Princess has just about everything you can hope for in an opera: sex, deceit, romance, near-death experiences, and showgirls. Also, singing. And contrary to the popular image of opera as melodrama, The Gypsy Princess is essentially a comedy; at one point two characters agree to marry each other not out of love, but because they find everyone else boring. Kalman (1882-1953) was widely praised for his musical talents and achieved popular success in his native Hungary and throughout Europe, most notably with this operetta. Presented by the top-notch Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society as a change of pace from their usual summer G&S productions, Princess should be a charmer. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., www.pattersong.org. $15-$26. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 29-Sat., March 1, 2 p.m. Sun., March 2. BRENT ARONOWITZ

Fri., Feb. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., March 1, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., March 2, 2 p.m., 2008