For those that think opera is too esoteric, maybe an opera based in South Philadelphia sung in English will sway that notion. The Delaware Valley Opera Company (DVOC), a local opera house that employs emerging talent as well as established singers, has transformed Giacomo Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi” into “Johnny Schicchi,” an Italian comedy about greed.

The opera performed at Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center in Manayunk is part of a trio act: “Johnny” (run-time approximately one hour), Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Medium” (about one hour), and Philadelphia composer Misha Dutka’s “Black Horses” (12 minutes). The opera first showed on July 8, but has following performances on July 12 at 8 p.m. and a final showing July 16 at 3 p.m.