Free Opera at Long Beach Aquarium Champions Ocean Kindness

Families visiting Long Beach this August can experience something magical: a free opera at the aquarium that teaches kids they're never too small to make a difference.

Long Beach Opera returns to the Aquarium of the Pacific with "Acquaprofonda," a 30-minute performance created especially for families. The show runs on weekends August 1, 2, 8, and 9 at the Honda Pacific Visions Theater, and reservations are completely free.

The opera follows Serena, a fearless girl who discovers a mysterious whale made sick by plastic pollution from a greedy factory owner named Mister Buu. With help from a wise sailor, she inspires her father to stand up against the factory harming the ocean.

The story's message is simple but powerful: one small voice can make big waves. At the end, the whale gives Serena a special gift to thank her for her bravery and kindness.

Originally commissioned in Italian, the opera won an Italian prize in music education before being translated into English. Singers perform with a live orchestra featuring piano, cello, violin, and percussion, while lyrics are projected above the stage so everyone can follow along.

Elle Moody, who translated the show, also stars as Serena alongside performers playing the whale and a jellyfish. Director Yekaterina Lynch brings the underwater adventure to life with the education team's creative vision.

Families can arrive 30 minutes early for activity sessions that include art making, photo opportunities, and a chance to meet the performers. It's a rare opportunity for kids to experience opera in an accessible, engaging way.

Sunny's Take

Executive Director Michelle Magaldi says the production gives parents and children a chance to talk about environmental impact while showing young people just how exhilarating opera can be. The aquarium setting adds an extra layer of magic to a story about protecting ocean life.

Best of all, families don't even need aquarium admission to attend, making this cultural experience accessible to everyone in Southern California.

The show proves that art for kids doesn't have to talk down to them: it can tackle real issues like pollution and activism while celebrating courage, kindness, and the power we all have to protect our planet.