Worker missing high point in stage work (5)

I believe the answer is:

opera

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'stage work' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for opera that I've seen before include "works in Latin" , "Carmen, for example" , "E.g. Falstaff, Fidelio" , "Carmen, for instance" , "Musical dramatic work" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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