Why does opera have to be stuffy?

This is a good idea. I'm not an opera fan myself, but on the other hand I do like the current crop of performers (e.g., Dresden Dolls) who are very theatrical and draw inspiration from 20th century European opera-influenced cabaret.

Opera Boston brings 'informal cabaret' to the Lizard Lounge - The Boston Globe: "On Jan. 17 at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, the company inaugurates Opera Boston Underground, which it calls 'an informal, themed opera cabaret.' Appropriately, its first show will be 'Kurt Weill's World,' songs written and inspired by a composer whose music bridged high art and popular sensibility as well as any in the 20th century.

"'I think many young people feel that opera is expensive and stuffy,' wrote Opera Boston general director Carole Charnow in an e-mail earlier this week. 'Opera Boston Underground is primarily a fun night out where young people can experience opera in a place where they're already comfortable -- their local bar or club. It will be set up a bit like a jazz gig -- with an improvisational feel, and there's a set where singers from the audience can join in.'"

clubs
classical music