Book and Lyrics by Hector Crémieux and Ludovic Halévy. Music by Jacques Offenbach.
SYNOPSIS
Act I – Earth
Eurydice is bored with her marriage to Orpheus, a lowly professor of music, and has started a love affair with a local shepherd called Aristaeus. Unfortunately, this is really King Pluto of the Underworld in disguise, who lures Eurydice into a cornfield where she is bitten by a snake and (sort of) dies. Pluto then exposes himself (!) and whisks her down to Hades so he can have his wicked way with her. Orpheus is rather pleased about this, because he was none too happy with his marriage anyway. However, his outraged mother, Calliope, insists he tries to rescue her, and so they depart for Mount Olympus in a balloon to seek the help of Jupiter, King of the Gods.
Act II – Mount Olympus
Jupiter is having a difficult time with his family of deities, who are finding life on Olympus, with all that ambrosia and nectar, dreadfully boring. They are on the point of rebelling when Mercury, the messenger of the gods, brings news of the scandal from Earth. On hearing that Calliope and Orpheus are on their way, Jupiter summons Pluto to Olympus in order to give him a dressing down. His interest is sparked, however, by the news that Eurydice is extremely attractive and Jupiter, never one to miss a chance with the ladies, decides to go down to Hades to investigate personally. His plans are slightly dashed, though, when his wife, Juno, and all the other gods and goddesses beg to accompany him.
Act III – Hades
Down in the Underworld, Eurydice is fed up with Pluto’s absence, and is being ‘entertained’ by Styx, former King of Beotia. He locks her away on Pluto’s orders before she can be seen by the new arrivals. Pretending to be a fly, however, Jupiter flirts with Eurydice who, desperate for company of any kind, responds eagerly. To try and distance the pair, Pluto throws a party in honour of the visitors, and much frantic activity ensues. This is interrupted by the arrival of Calliope and Orpheus, who has come to claim his spouse. Eurydice must therefore choose between the smooth-talking Pluto, the dubious pleasures of life with Jupiter on Olympus, or a return to Earth in the arms of her husband.
CHARACTERS
Aristée (Aristaeus) otherwise Pluton (Pluto),
Jupiter
Junon (Juno)
Orphée (Orpheus)
Eurydice
Mercure (Mercury)
Bacchus
Cupidon (Cupid)
Diane (Diana)
Vénus
Minerve (Minerva)
Mars
John Styx
Opinion Publique (Public Opinion)
Gods, Godesses, etc.