LEXINGTON, Ky. — Jim Albisetti, a University of Kentucky history professor emeritus, has become a fixture at the annual "It's a Grand Night for Singing!" production since attending a performance in 1997 on a date with colleague Jane Phillips, a UK professor emerita in classics.

When Albisetti attends a performance next month, it will mark his 26th or 27th appearance at the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre's beloved musical revue. The show runs June 12-14 and June 19-21 at the Singletary Center for the Arts Concert Hall.

"There's the amazing talent of the singers and dancers, a program that varies significantly from year to year, and the annual love song duet performed by director Everett McCorvey and Alicia Helm," Albisetti said, explaining what keeps him coming back to the roughly 90-minute show.

The University of Kentucky News recently profiled Albisetti's nearly three-decade connection to the production, which traces its roots back to 1992 when the UK School of Music opera program created a summer show celebrating student talent.

This year's production features a diverse lineup including songs from "Hadestown," "My Fair Lady," "Phantom of the Opera," "Hairspray," "Dear Evan Hansen," "Ragtime" and "SIX: The Musical," among others. McCorvey, who has directed UK Opera Theatre since 1997, said the production's strength lies in its collaborative relationship with the Lexington community.

"One of the things that I love that happens is we have people who have been attending for so long that they become invested, and they will send me show titles," McCorvey said, noting that audience members often suggest song selections that ultimately make it into the show.

The Emmy Award-winning production features UK students and Central Kentucky residents performing in what has become a treasured local arts tradition. Performances begin Friday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m., with additional shows on subsequent weekends.