Light opera is a genre of musical theater that emerged in the 19th century, characterized by its lighthearted and humorous style. Some synonyms for "light opera" include operetta, musical comedy, and light operatic musical. Operetta is a form of light opera that typically has a romantic or comedic plotline and features spoken dialogue interspersed with songs. Musical comedy, on the other hand, combines singing, dancing, and acting to tell a humorous story. Light operatic musical is a broader term that encompasses all forms of light opera, including operetta and musical comedy. Regardless of the term used, light opera remains a popular form of musical entertainment that continues to captivate audiences around the world.