Operetta

Operetta, which sprang up in mid-19th century Europe, is like opera's lighter, cheekier cousin who prefers a bit of a jig to a dramatic aria. It's characterised by its spoken dialogue interspersed with catchy, melodic songs, giving the impression that performers might just break into a dance at any moment; think of it as a musical theatre for those who fancy a more fanciful take on serious subjects. While it often pokes fun at society, it also proves that a little whimsy can go a long way in dealing with the heavy lifting of life—who doesn't love a good, frothy romance amongst the pomp and circumstance?