Being trapped in a room with three damned souls and no exit is existential and literal hell. “No Exit,” the next performance in the Unexpected Operas in Unexpected Places series by the Florida Grand Opera (a Knight Arts grantee), adapts existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre’s play of the same name. The one-act opera by Andy Vores runs February 27 – March 1 at 10 p.m. at Arena (formerly NoWhere Lounge) on South Beach.

“’No Exit’ is both rich and empty at the same time – and that gave me the chance to make some tight and grizzly musical statements, along with sections of dark, acid humor, and others of loss and sadness; a very varied journey in a short span of time,” said Vores about his adaptation of “No Exit.”

Unexpected Operas in Unexpected Places brings opera to the community, but it also provides a platform for new voices to emerge, such as mezzo-soprano Caitlin McKechney, who is a member of Florida Grand Opera’s Young Artist Program. “Inez Serrano is the one role that I always hoped I would get to perform again [after having performed it in 2009 with Chicago Opera Vanguard],” said Caitlin McKechney, who plays the role. “Thanks to Florida Grand Opera’s Unexpected Operas in Unexpected Places series, I will have the chance to play this incredible and complicated character again.”

FGO makes opera cool, relevant and accessible to the community without lowering the bar. It keeps the spirit of opera alive and thriving, while simultaneously reaching out to an audience who may not or cannot attend a ‘traditional’ opera.

Florida Grand Opera.

“’No Exit’ is both quirky and devilishly witty,” said Carlton Ford, who plays the role of Valet. “What better way to enjoy such a hot show than with a cold drink in hand.”

I agree.

FGO’s  “No Exit” will be performed February 27 – March 1st at at 10 p.m. at Arena (Formerly NoWhere Lounge), 653 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. 21 and older only. Cost: $25.