The Whole Truth: And Nothing But Opera Improv at Atlas Performing Arts Center

Chances are when you hear the word "opera," you think of large women in Viking helmets -- unless you've seen an UrbanArias show, that is. Bringing opera into the 21st century, the company returns to the Intersections festival after last year's sold-out performances with the new show The Whole Truth. Based on a comedic short story by Stephen McCauley (The Object of My Affection), the show tells the story of a woman who confesses an affair to her psychiatrist, but cleans up the details so as not to seem too sordid. Then, UrbanArias ups the laughs even more with an improv opera. Using audience suggestions, a troupe of five singer-improvisers will come up with an opera that'll make Wagner roll in his grave. Chock-full of laughs and with only a 60-minute running time, The Whole Truth is the perfect way to discover modern opera. Catch it at Washington, D.C.'s Atlas Performing Arts Center.