On May 8 at noon, the Sacramento State Opera Theatre put together an Opera for Lunch. Students, staff, faculty and the public could come enjoy a performance of the comedic one-act opera “Cox and Box” and bring a sack lunch in room 143 at Capistrano Hall.

“This is one of the few times we’re letting people eat in the theatre,” jokes Omari Tau, the director of the opera theatre.

Tau explains that the idea of Opera for Lunch was originally a side project for students in the program but because of its surprise success, the program has adapted to do a different performance every semester.

“This is my second time watching the opera at Sac State,” said Alex Griffith, a senior. “Last semester I saw ‘Orpheus.’”

Tau said the success is very much owed to the hard work of the students and staff.

The performance brought in a full house, with some people standing during the entire duration because there were not enough seats. Still, the entire audience stayed to laugh and clap without complaint.

The comedic opera of “Cox and Box,” only requires three actors and one pianist, professor Tatiana Scott from the classical music department.

The opera tells a funny tale of the landlord, Mr. Bouncer, renting out the same room to Mr. Box and Mr. Cox, without their knowledge. He is able to get away with this because Mr. Box, a newspaper man, works throughout the night and Mr. Cox, a hat maker, works throughout the day.

However, the two tenants begin noticing weird happenings, such as the smell of tobacco or bacon being left on the stove, in their apartment. The two eventually run into each other while both are in the same room which leads to a comedic bonding between the men.

The music provides much of the story-telling and dialogue and all 3 actors deliver a very talented performance, showing the audience their vocal skills and hitting high and low notes with perfection.

“It was so awesome; super funny,” said Diego Campos, an alumni from the dance department. “This type of performance gives us a chance to explore performing art, it’s a great thing to do.”

Other than being able to enjoy your lunch during the opera, audience members did not have to pay for admission.

“It was really fun and upbeat, the actors were really talented and I loved that it was free,” said Griffith.

Many of the admissions for the musical performances at Capistrano Hall require students, staff and the public to pay for a ticket.

“A lot of people are interested in attending but it costs money,” said Campos, “It’s great that this was free.”

Capistrano Hall will be holding musical performances for the last remaining weeks of the spring 2015 semester.