These days, talk of kidnappings or executions by hideous means usually refers to disturbing news from the Middle East. But, oddly enough, such topics also apply to a gem of a comic opera that manages to get laughs out of false imprisonment, a shooting and even an attempted impalement -- all set to deliciously tuneful, rhythmically buoyant music.

If you go L'etoile will be performed at 8 p.m. tomorrow and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, Va. Tickets are $58. Call 877-965-3872 or go to wolftrap.org.