(The introduction is played on the piano) Will two bars be sufficient introduction? I wonder, Signora, if, as a personal favour, you would oblige us with a private rendition? (Somewhat acerbic). If I remember rightly, Elissa has a rather fine aria in Act Three of "Hannibal". I have experienced all your greatest roles, Signora. Gentlemen, Signora Carlotta Giudicelli, our leading soprano for five seasons now. I can now tell you that these were all true and it is my pleasure to introduce to you the two gentlemen who now own the Opera Populaire, M. Ladies and gentlemen - Madame Giry, thank you - may I have your attention, please? As you know, for some weeks there have been rumours of my imminent retirement. Two stage-hands are revealed operating it from within) (At the end of the chorus LEFEVRE claps his hands for silence. PIANGI is lifted, in triumph, onto its back) (The ELEPHANT, a life-sized mechanical replica, enters. (The ballet continues to its climax and ends. Always has her head in the clouds, I'm afraid. GIRY (spotting her, bangs her cane again) She has absent-mlndedly fallen out-of-step) (MEG becomes prominent among the dancers) We take a particular pride here in the excellence of our ballets. LEFEVRE (ignoring this, calls his attention to the continuing ballet) I keep asking you, monsieur, why exactly are you retiring? Firmin, I shan't be sorry to be rid of the whole blessed business. (spoken) Gentlemen, please! If you would kindly move to one side? GIRY (exasperated by their presence, bangs her cane angrily on the stage) (spoken) Signor Piangi, our principal tenor. The ballet continues under the following dialogue.) LEFEVRE, ANDRE and FIRMIN stand centr-stage watching the ballet. Thank you, monsieur (turning back to PIANGI). (The new managers are politely bowing, when REYER interrupts) (spoken) Ladies and gentlemen, some of you may already perhaps, have met M. (Seeing a hiatus in the rehearsal, LEFEVRE attempts to attract attention.) Rehearsals, as you see, are under way, for a new production of Chalumeau's "Hannibal". Once again, then, if you please, Signor: "Sad to return. (Enter LEFEVRE, the retiring manager of the Opera, with M. Threatened once more by Roma's far-reaching OTHERS are seen still constructing parts of the scenery) (A STAGE HAND carries a ladder across the stage. This trophy from our saviours, from the enslaving force of Rome! from the approaching HANNIBAL, a bleeding severed head)ĬARLOTTA (at the climax of an extravagant cade) We join the opera towards the end of ELISSA's (CARLOTTA's) great aria. The two leading SLAVE GIRLS are played by MEG GIRY and CHRISTINE DAAE. HANNIBAL is UBALDO PIANGI ELISSA, Queen of Carthage (his mistress) is CARLOTTA GUIDICELLI. (We have reached the great choral scene in which HANNIBAL and his army return to save Carthage from the Roman invasion under Scipio.