I guess with a soap opera, the whole point is the scandalous story arc and, at least in the early days, to sell soap. What’s being said doesn’t matter so much as long as you’re catching the basics. That serves Gallantry: A Soap Opera in One Act well. As the story reaches it’s crescendo and the performers sing over each other in dual cacophony (it’s an operatic soap opera), the theme is clear, their lyrics not so much, but why would we particularly care anyway.

Emily Casey, a senior vocal performance major at Catholic University delivers a strong voice and sense of timing to her interpretation of Lola, as do her seducer/superior Dr. Gregg (James Rogers) and fiancé/appendicitis patient Donald (Tad Czyzewski). Dr. Gregg is rebuffed by Lola then tasked with operating on Donald with her attending. So there’s the play’s tension. And the cuts to commercial to wax poetic about Billy Boy Wax and other cleaning products are cute at first and second.

But by the third time, it’s enough about the soap and enough with the forgettable love libretto. A subplot or a clear resolution to the drama would go a long way. Gallantry does leave the audience wanting more, but that’s due as much or more to the 25-minute run time than the quality of the production. The website says Gallantry will last for 45 minutes, but in less than 30, the opera was over. For $17?! Lola does look damn hot in a sexy nurse costume. That may be the best thing the play has going for it. Not the only thing. But Opera Alterna could have done better with this one.

Gallantry has four remaining performances: July 10, 13, 16 and 19. Tickets are available online.

Editor’s note: This production contains some nudity, and the original version of this review indicated otherwise.