OPERA | Eastman Opera Theatre 

Following a first-rate production of Philip Glass's "Hydrogen Jukebox," Eastman Opera Theatre is back with a double bill of one-act verismo (realism) operas from the early 20th century. Giacomo Puccini's "Suor Angelica" has long been a staple of the repertoire, while Umberto Giordano's "Mese Mariano" is rarely performed. Given the two operas' plot similarities —in each, a woman struggles with her separation from her son — it's astonishing they aren't performed together more often. And though verismo typically deals with the everyday lives of contemporary characters, the style is known for heated passions and unfortunate fates. Given Eastman Opera Theatre's stellar reputation for intelligent productions and poignant vocal performances, this intimate evening of music drama is worth seeing and hearing. A lecture on the operas will be given an hour before each performance.

The double bill will be performed on Thursday, January 28, through Saturday, January 30, at 7:30 p.m., and again on Sunday, January 31, on 2 p.m., at Eastman Opera Studio, Annex 804, 26 Gibbs Street. $15-$20. 454-2100; eastmantheatre.org.