This evening, the Esber Recital Hall will be transformed into a small English village where Victorian morality rules all.

The 20th century comedic opera Albert Herring, written by Benjamin Britten, will have its opening night tomorrow. The opera takes place in a small English town in 1950 against an aristocratic background. The opera features young Albert Herring, who is trying to rebel against the expectations of his mother and society.

"It's a funny, youthful opera, which appeals very much to people of all ages, but especially to young people," Susan Boardman, director of the Penn State Opera Theatre, said. "It has a very universal theme of 'finding your way and staying true to yourself.' "

Boardman, who also plays the part of Mrs. Herring, said it was difficult directing a performance while also acting in it. Luckily, she said, she had help directing from the musical director, Beverly Patton.

Patton has also been vocally preparing the singers for their roles. Since the opera holds true to basic 20th century writing, Patton had to integrate some new vocabulary into her vocal direction.

"The music is based on sea shanties, since Benjamin Britten was from an area of England," Patton said. "And while this is sung in English, there will be a lot of colloquisms and English-isms from the '30s and '40s. The audience is going to have to listen carefully."

When the cast first begun rehearsing, Patton made a small dictionary for the cast, filled with featured phrases like "Don't waste time buttering parsnips," meaning, don't waste your time with cheap items.

While the 20th century writing may be tough, Patton says it's very fulfilling to see the students up on stage.

"There's an awful lot of musicianship up there. It's been fun to see them really dig in and immerse themselves in this," Patton said.

Immerse themselves they did -- for the students not only perform in this opera, but they also do all the behind-the-scenes work.

Since the production is self-run and the Penn State Opera Theatre lacks a technical facility, the students were assigned to crews for costumes, props and sets. Although some of the set pieces were designed for this particular performance, students did all the set dressing.

Props Head Alanna Bath said the process is cyclical.

"It's great to see how everyone brings their character to life on stage, and at the same time, as evolved behind-the-scenes," Bath said.

"When I'm off stage during the performance, I'm going to be making sure the props are situated, even though I'll be in costume...it's like I'm going to be two heads at once."