Family Style

Composer: Meilina Tsui
Librettist: Melisa Tien
Company: Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Synopsis

17-year-old Mia lives with her father, Ping. They've saved for years so that Ping can open his own restaurant after a lifetime of washing dishes. After sharing a meal with neighbors, they reminisce about Mia helping her father prepare food as a child. Later, Mia sorts through their mail and discovers unpaid bills. Suddenly it feels impossible that her father can make ends meet. Then Mia receives a large packet — she's been accepted to her dream school. Even as she celebrates, she feels ashamed of the added burden this could place on Ping. But he already knows…he's seen a separate envelope from the Office of Financial Aid, and assumes it's good news. Opening it, Mia is devastated to find her aid application has been rejected. Ping lovingly offers her the savings for his restaurant so she can fulfill her dreams.