operetta
US /ˌɑː.pəˈret̬.ə/
UK /ˌɑː.pəˈret̬.ə/
1.
a short opera, usually on a light or humorous theme and typically having spoken dialogue
:
•
The local theater group is performing a classic operetta next month.
•
Many people enjoy the lighthearted nature of an operetta compared to a full opera.