Picture shoppers dancing in the street, vendors humming a tune as they weigh their shiny apples and L&I agents stomping toward smelly fish stands, tapping their clipboards to the beat. Sound absurd? Don't be too quick to discount it; this shit's totally going down this weekend in Tacoma. The Tacoma Opera presents Gaetano Donizetti's comic opera of love and love potions - a bright and colorful comedy for these dull, rainy days. The story concerns peasant boy Nemorino's abject helplessness after he is  love-struck by the rich (and seemingly unattainable) village girl, Adina. To make matters worse, the local army sergeant, Belcore, also has his sights on the lovely Adina, making Nemorino's quest seem ever more futile. Think about this: The ladies swoon over operatic love stories. Just sayin'.

[Rialto Theater, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $25-$64, 310 S. Ninth St., Tacoma, 253.627.7789]