Cornell College Lyric Theatre presents an American musical triptych — three one-act seriocomic operas — in "Triple Shot!" opening Thursday, Jan. 25, at 8 p.m. in Kimmel Theatre of Youngker Hall. Performances continue Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26 and 27, at 8 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for students, seniors and youth. Reserve tickets at (319) 895-4293.

The operas are "Trouble in Tahiti" by Leonard Bernstein, "A Hand of Bridge" by Samuel Barber and "A Game of Chance" by Seymour Barab.

"Trouble in Tahiti" has roots in musical comedy and exhibits tonal flavors ranging from snappy jazz jingles to haunting melancholy and exuberant rhythms that culminate in the production's zany number, "Island Magic." "West Side Story," also composed by Bernstein, owes much to its predecessor, "Trouble in Tahiti."

"A Hand of Bridge," Barber's classic chamber opera, encompasses a variety of dramatic and musical elements embracing jazz, humor, sensuality and psychoanalytical elements that unfold during the course of a bridge game.

Barab's "A Game of Chance" is a Faustian-inspired tale of three atypical secretaries that incorporates musical sections inspired by popular dance including the Charleston and the waltz.

All three pieces are set in 1950s suburbia and depict humorous yet piercing perspectives of modern life and relationships. In each of these works, discontent and discord simmer beneath an idealized surface. "Triple Shot!" reveals three American composers' views of the hypocrisy of daily existence in mid-century America.

"Triple Shot!" is directed and choreographed by Kaia Monroe, assistant professor of theater, with vocal and music direction by Jonathon Thull, voice instructor and Lyric Theatre founder.