L'Étoile by Emmanuel Chabrier

A clueless king, a traveling astrologer, and a very unlucky birthday… What could possibly go wrong?

Step into the whimsical world of L’Étoile, Emmanuel Chabrier’s delightfully absurd operetta where fate is fickle, love is unexpected, and even a royal execution might have a happy ending. King Ouf—a tyrant with a flair for dramatic punishments—has a peculiar birthday tradition: executing an unlucky subject for his personal entertainment. When he crosses paths with a wandering peddler, the stars seem to align for another grand spectacle. But there’s a catch—an astrologer warns that the king’s fate is mysteriously entwined with his chosen victim. If the peddler dies, so does the king. Suddenly, it’s a very bad day for public executions.

Cue the disguises, mistaken identities, and unexpected romances as the court scrambles to untangle destiny’s mess. With its effervescent score, razor-sharp wit, and a plot as unpredictable as fate itself, L’Étoile is a comedic gem that sparkles with satire and charm.

Presented at the stunning Maison Française at the Embassy of France, these one-night-only performances are routinely sold out—don’t wait to secure your seats!

As a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, OCW relies on the generosity of our community to continue presenting intimate, world-class musical experiences. Every seat filled makes a difference. Join us for this unforgettable evening and help ensure that live opera continues to thrive in our community! Your participation makes a lasting difference, and we are honored to have you as part of our journey.

For security reasons, each attendee's first and last name is required at registration. You can always have access to your registration to edit the names of the attendees later.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher L'Opéra Comique de Washington