Opera in the 20th century received its most consistently rewarding contributions from composer Benjamin Britten. Peter Grimes, The Turn of the Screw, The Rape of Lucretia, Billy Budd, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Death in Venice -- masterworks all, thanks to Britten's extraordinary music, invariably right in style and tone for each piece, and his firm sense of theater. One more opera, "Albert Herring," can be included in that list, although this spicy comedy doesn't show up on stages too often. And that makes this week's production by Peabody Opera Theatre all the more welcome.

Albert Herring, inspired by a Guy de Maupassant story, is set in an English village, circa 1900. When the town biddies can't find a totally innocent local girl to serve as May queen, they anoint unsuspecting Albert, a mama's boy who uses the prize to cut those apron strings at last. Eric Crozier's libretto is full of amusing social commentary; Britten's score, which calls for only a dozen instruments, abounds in colorful touches. The Peabody staging will be directed by Roger Brunyate, whose affinity for Britten was reaffirmed with a charming Midsummer Night's Dream at the school in 2001, and conducted by Harlan Parker.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday,and 3 p.m. Nov. 24. Tickets are $22, $11 for seniors, $8 for students. Call 410-659-8100, Ext. 2.