THE PASTRY PRINCE, or UN BEL PASTICCIO

Libretto ©2014 by Charles Anthony Silvestri

 

CHARACTERS

• Signor Giancarlo, the young DUKE of Bologna (Baritone)

• GIACOMO, leader of the commedia dell’arte troupe (Bass)

• GINA, his daughter (Soprano)

• ALFREDO, an actor in the troupe (Tenor)

• ANNAMARIA, an actress in the troupe, and a diva (Mezzo)

 

• SALVATORE, a humble baker (Bass)

• ANGELINA, the baker’s daughter (Soprano)

• Vincenzo, the Pastry PRINCE (Baritone)

• AQUILIA, the Queen of the North Wind (Mezzo)

• ZEPHYRUS, the Wizard of the West Wind (Tenor)

• THREE WIZARDS, brothers of Zephyrus (Tenor, Baritone, Bass)

 

********************************************************************* SCENE 1

Before the entrance to the grand palazzo of the Duke of Bologna.

 

(The troupe of four enters, pulling their decorated performance cart.)

 

TROUPE (All except the baritone)

La la la…

We perform opera--

That noblest of arts--

But our show can't go on

Without all of the parts!

 

Our Baritone is gone, his promise is broken,

And we've made a promise--we have the Duke's token;

(he holds up a small coat of arms on a ribbon)

A comical opera fit for a king

We promised the Duke all FIVE singers would sing!

 

GIACOMO

Well, this is a bel pasticcio, a fine mess indeed, and no mistake! And today of all days! Now how are we going to perform "The Pastry Prince" for the young Duke? This is our most important performance-- if we don't please him were finished. Washed up. Finito.

(The actors mumble and argue about what they are going to do, in a sort of huddle)

(We see Signor Giancarlo, the young Duke of Bologna, emerge from his palazzo moping and somber, leaning against a pillar)

 

DUKE

Oh I am the Duke of Bologna;

I live in a palace so fine!

I have hundreds of servants

For every observance,

And pleasures of every design.

 

Oh, I am the Duke of Bologna;

I’m handsome, I’m witty, I’m rich!

I’ve got jewels, and horses,

And meals in ten courses;

But there’s just one little hitch…

 

You’d think that the Duke of Bologna

Would live a life filled (up) with joy;

But I have no sweetheart,

No girl for my own heart…

This Duke is one lonely boy!

Oh…

 

Somewhere, there’s a maiden fair

Who will win my heart and call me love;

Brown eyes and raven hair,

She’ll be like an angel from above!

 

(He turns to notice the players)

But what’s this about? Let me listen in… (he slowly moves closer...)

 

ALFREDO

Just wait till I get my hands on Mario--that scoundrel! I'm going to bop him, and I'm going to bash him, and I'm going to...

 

ANNAMARIA (interrupting Alfredo)

Oh, the incompetence of amateurs! This is unacceptable! How can you expect an actress of MY stature to perform under these conditions? Do you know who I am? I have performed for kings.

Kings! When I was the Prima Donna at La Scala in Milan...

 

GINA (interrupting Annamaria)

Papa, what are we going to do?

 

GIACOMO

We will have to find a replacement for Mario or we will have to switch to another show.

 

ANNAMARIA

We cannot "switch to another show"! THIS is my signature role! If we will not perform The Pastry Prince, I shall return to Milan at once!

 

DUKE

Oh ho! This band of actors is just the kind of fun I need today to cheer me up… [ping]…and she is the loveliest girl I have ever seen! I think I know a way I can have some amusement AND meet that beautiful girl! (He approaches closer)

 

ALFREDO

Why do we need to perform for the Duke of Boloney anyway? Why can't we just perform for these people here in the piazza? (he gestures to the audience)

 

GIACOMO

It's Bo-lo-gna! And, as I've told you before, Alfredo, the young Duke is rich and powerful, and if our performance pleases him he may recommend us to other nobles!

 

GINA

I wonder if the Duke is handsome...

 

ANNAMARIA

Oh yes, my dear, of course he's handsome--he's a Duke! I have performed for many Dukes, Duchesses, Kings and Queens. You see, my dear, when I was the Prima Donna at La Scala in Milan...

 

GINA (interrupting)

So you keep saying. But papa, what are we going to do about Mario? Someone has to play the part of the Pastry Prince!

 

DUKE (approaching, covering up his coat of arms)(Gina seems smitten)

Scusi, scusi, pardon me, but I couldn't help overhearing that you are missing an actor. Perhaps I can help? It just so happens that I know the part of the Pastry Prince!

 

GIACOMO

What luck! You certainly look the part, and you are the right size for the costume. What is your name, young man?

 

DUKE

Oh, that's not important. We have a show to rehearse! That Duke of Boloney is a tough customer and he loves this particular story. So let's get started, shall we? (He chit-chats with the actors as they rummage through the cart for costumes, etc. flirting with GINA, who flirts back)

 

DUKE (aside)

I think that the Duke of Bologna

Is having a lucky day!

I've got some distraction,

And quite an attraction

To my co-star in the play!

Oh...

 

Right here, there’s a maiden fair,

Who could win my heart--could this be love?

Brown eyes and raven hair,

She's like an angel from above!

 

GIACOMO

We'll put on a show!

 

ALFREDO

The best show we know!

 

GINA and DUKE

An exciting distraction,

With true love attraction!

 

ANNAMARIA

And a beautiful queen

So cold and so mean,

But misunderstood,

And with such a complex and nuanced character that she could only be played by an actress of

my talent and experience...

 

(beat)

 

ALL

Now we have an opera,

That noblest of arts,

Where the show is far greater

Than the sum of the parts!

 

We'll act and we'll dance,

And of course we will sing;

To please the young Duke—

An opera's the thing!

(They dance)

 

(After their dance, the actors begin to get ready for the dress rehearsal)

 

GIACOMO (to the audience)

Would you all like to be in the show too? There are quite a lot of you, but that’s very good. We can use you! You'll play the part of the Special Effects! Here's what we need you to do...

(Teaches the audience to do the wind and storm sound effects)

When there is wind in the show, we need all of you to make the windy noise by rubbing your hands flat together really fast, like this: (he demonstrates)  

Now you try! I will show you in the opera when to do it.

Now, when there is a big storm, we need all of you to make the storm sound by patting your legs really fast, like this: (he demonstrates)

Let’s try it!

Teachers, you can help too, by making a sshh-ing noise, like this (he demonstrates). You all should be pretty good at that already!  Let’s all try a stormy noise all together! 

That’s great! Now we can get LOUDER… or we can get SOFTER...  And we can CUT. So, watch for my cues for when to do it, all right? With your help we will be able to have a great rehearsal, so thanks!

 

All right! Places, everyone!

 

(putting on his apron, like Mr. Rogers)

And now, dear friends, imagine if you could,

A simple town bakery near a magic wood,

One perfect morning in the month of May,

As humble folk begin a busy day…

 

 

********************************************************************* SCENE 2

In a humble baker’s shop

 

SALVATORE and ANGELINA

(like a waltz)

Ah, the sweet life!

Dolce, dolcissima!

Roll the cannoli

And slice up the pie!

 

Ah, the sweet life!

Bella, bellissima!

Sell to the customers

As they walk by!

ANGELINA (daydreaming)

Flour and butter                                              Flour…

And sugar so sweet                                                     … sweet

Beat them together                                                                 …together

So tasty a treat! 

 

SALVATORE                                                ANGELINA

(now like a polka, faster and faster)               (slower, one line per stanza of the patter)

Bring out the cinnamon,                                 When will we two be together?

Ginger, and spice;                                           When will I meet my true love?

Add some Nutella—                                       When will he fold his arms ‘round me

Oh, isn’t life nice?                                          The prince that I’m dreaming of?

 

The cakes in the oven,                                    [He will be daring and handsome;

The pies on the rack,                                       Gentle and kind shall he be!

Make-a the customers                                     I’m getting tired of waiting--

Always come back!                                        Oh, when will this prince come to me?]

 

The better the butter,

The fatter the batter;

The fatter the batter,

The better the cake!

 

Dolce, dolcissima

Bella, bellissima

Buona, buonissima

É veritá!

 

(now a tarantella)

Pannacotta,

Mascarpone,

Zabaglione,

Tiramisú

 

Frangipane,

Sfogliatelle,

Frutti di bosco—

I love you!

 

Amaretti

E confetti

Cioccolato

Strawberry too!

 

SALVATORE (cleaning up)

You are distracted, Angelina. What is troubling you today?

 

ANGELINA

I'm sorry, father. It's just that I'm sad that I haven't met the right man yet.

 

SALVATORE

What? You have had marriage proposals from all the eligible young bachelors in the whole region, but you reject every young man who shows an interest in you!

 

ANGELINA

But I don't want any of those silly boys, papa. I want a perfect prince, -- kind and gentle, handsome and witty, generous and wise -- a man like you, papa.

 

SALVATORE

Ha, ha! My dear, to find such a man you will have to make him yourself, here, in the bakery. A pastry prince! Ha, ha! Can you imagine such a thing? Ha, ha, ha...

(He exits, humming his patter song)

 

ANGELINA

A pastry prince... A pastry prince... A PASTRY PRINCE! What a perfect idea! He can be everything I want him to be! We have all the ingredients I need already! Why wait? I'll start right now! (She gathers ingredients and begins to measure, mix and bake)

 

I’ll craft my own husband from sugar and spice;

The perfect ingredients, measured, precise.

My prince will be all that I wanted, and more!

What a wonderful marriage I'll have in store!

 

His heart I will make of soft marshmallow sweet;

For his body I'll roll out the finest of wheat;

I'll knead the dough well, to make sure that he's strong;

He'll be the true love I've awaited so long!

 

A tongue made with honey, to sweeten his words;

A hard-candy whistle, to sing like the birds;

The zest of a lemon, to give him some zing;

For passion--one hot chili pepper's the thing!

 

(Humming as she finishes up and puts him into the oven)

 

(tick tock tick tock… DING! The Pastry Prince emerges from the oven)

 

ANGELINA

Papa! Come and meet my fiancé!  (Salvatore enters)  

Just one final touch--the kiss of true love... (she kisses him, and he comes to life)

 

PRINCE

Oh! Ah! Uh-oh! Wh-where am I. Who am I?

 

ANGELINA

This is our bakery, and you are Vincenzo. I'm Angelina, and we are going to be married!

 

PRINCE

It's a pleasure to meet you! Married, you say? Woo hoo! You're beautiful!

 

ANGELINA

And this is my father!

 

PRINCE

Signore... (he shakes Salvatore's hand)

 

(The prince drops to one knee in homage)

Signore--I most humbly ask for the hand of your daughter Angelina. Somehow I feel as if I've always been in love with her, and I pledge to be a faithful and true husband to her, as long as I live.

 

SALVATORE  (He agrees)

Well that's settled, then! Welcome to the family! (They embrace and double-kiss)

You kids have lots of planning to do!

(Exeunt)

 

 

 

 

********************************************************************* SCENE 3

In a pleasant picnic grove (perhaps close to the edge of the stage

 

PRINCE

Anything's romantic, as long as I'm with you;

Before you came into my life I didn't know what to do.

(aside) In fact, I have no memory of anything before

I saw her for the first time when she opened the oven door!?

 

ANGELINA

Anything's romantic, as long as you're with me;

Before I felt so trapped and lonely, but now I feel so free!

You’ll be the perfect husband; and I, your promised bride,

Will be forever happy with Vincenzo by my side!

 

ANGELINA and PRINCE

Oh, everything’s romantic when love is in the air;

 

ANGELINA

You’re my handsome pastry Prince,

 

                                                            PRINCE

and you’re my princess fair!

 

ANGELINA and PRINCE

Oh we shall have a love as strong as any ever knew,

Now that you and I are we, and we’re not one but two!

 

ANGELINA                                                   PRINCE

Now we two are together;                              Right here stands my maiden fair,

Now I’ve met my true love;                           Who made my heart and called me love!

Now with your arms folded ‘round me          Brown eyes and raven hair,

The prince I’ve so long dreamed of!              She’s like an angel from above!

(They remain onstage, flirting and enjoying their picnic, unaware of the following scene behind

them…)

 

 

 

********************************************************************* SCENE 4

In the ice castle of the Queen of the North Wind (6:00) (23:30)

 

AQUILIA

Oh, I am the queen of the Cold North Wind!

I blow wherever I choose.

I send ice and snow wherever I go;

If anyone fights me, they lose!

 

Oh, I am the Queen of the Cold North Wind!

For ages I have played my part.

But even I must admit that, in spite of my grit,

I harbor a lonely heart.

 

(wiping away a tiny, frozen tear)

Ah, well, no matter.

 

(humming as she looks in her spy glass—she sees Angelina and her groom a-picnicking)

What’s this? There’s that baker’s brat Angelina, and she’s with a man—a handsome prince!

How dare he fawn over that Angelina without first coming to pay his respects to me! The nerve!

 

I feel the rage boiling up within me…

I feel the RAGE boiling up within me… (gestures to the accompanist to revv it up a bit)

Rage like a thousand icy volcanoes!

 

This pasty prince

For his insolence

Shall pay! Ha ha ha ha!

 

I’ll bring him here,

Where this cavalier

Shall stay ! Ha ha ha ha !

 

(She grandly gestures and sets the tableau for her huge aria)

 

(The accompanist begins Mozart’s “Queen of the Night” aria from The Magic Flute)

No, not THAT one! I’m not the Queen of the Night! I am the Queen of the Cold North Wind!

 

(The accompanist plays the opening piano bars of “Let it Go” from Disney’s Frozen. AnnaMaria shoots the pianist a look that could kill)

No. Just play the one we rehearsed.

 

(as the accompanist begins) Thank you.

(aside) ::sigh:: Amateurs! (She resets her grande pose)

 

Gather, ye clouds of storm and stress,

Billow with rage and bitterness!

Swirl with power limitless!

Blow! North Winds, blow! (Giacomo leads the children to make the wind sounds)

 

Now you’ve got him! Bring him in!

A handsome husband I will win!

Our life together shall begin,

At my command! Blow! (Giacomo leads the children to add the storm sounds)

 

(The Prince is whisked up into the swirling storm and is transported to Aquilia’s side. Angelina

exits in despair, searching where he’s gone)

 

(Aquilia completely ignores her captive and takes huge diva bows, assuming there is applause. If

not, she starts the applause herself, then bows profusely)

 

AQUILIA

Welcome, handsome sir! You are most welcome here!

 

PRINCE

Who are you? What is this place? Why have you brought me here? Take me back at once!

 

AQUILIA

All in good time! I am Aquilia, Queen of the Cold North Wind, and I brought you here because

you are to be my husband!

 

PRINCE

What? But I’m already promised to be married! I don't want to marry you. I want to marry

Angelina!

 

AQUILIA

How could you choose that simple baker’s daughter over me, a Queen! I’m far more beautiful,

I’m more powerful, more glamorous…

 

PRINCE (interrupting)

I don't care about any of those things. I’ll never love you. My Angelina will come and rescue me—you’ll see.

 

AQUILIA

Ha ha! You think she is clever enough to rescue you? Never! You shall be MY husband, you’ll see!

 

PRINCE

Oh but you’re wrong! She will come and take me away from here.

 

AQUILIA

Have it your way then! I shall make you a promise: IF your precious Angelina rescues you by sunset tonight (IF she even makes it this far!) then you are free to go, and with my blessing.

 

PRINCE

Then I’ll be gone by sunset!

 

AQUILIA

You’ve got spirit, I’ll give you that! But in the meantime, dearie, you’ll have to stay in here!

(She forces him into the dungeon cell)

 

(aside) And I’ll make certain that Angelina can never rescue you! Ha ha ha!

 

AQUILIA

(Starting an octave too high, and resetting lower…)

(She conjures around the door)

Dungeon door of iron and wood,

Be stronger far than any door could;

No handle, no latch, no lock and no key,

You open with a magic known only to me!

 

(Annamaria shows off and gestures for the accompanist to lower the aria)

(She conjures out the window)

Valley of ice and white snowflake,

I turn you into the deepest lake;

In darkness shall you shroud my home

So Princey and I can be alone!

 

(The accompanist lowers the aria again, much to her chagrin)

(She conjures in a wide circle)

All around my castle keep,

I plant a forest dark and deep.

With brambles thick and thorny vine

You will ensure this prince is mine!

Ha ha ha ha!

 

PRINCE

(chained up in the dungeon)

Someday, she will rescue me;

She’ll find me and we’ll be as one.

These dark walls will disappear,

And storm clouds will give way to sun!

Angelina!

 

 

 

********************************************************************* SCENE 5

In a dark, scary forest (6:45) (30:30)

 

ANGELINA

I’ve been wandering through these woods for hours! Oh, however will I find my Vincenzo? I’m lost! (crying)

(Three old wizards appear, seemingly out of nowhere)

 

WIZARD 1

Don’t cry, my child! For we shall help you! We are the Wizards of the Wood. We know where to find your Pastry Prince, and how to rescue him!

 

ANGELINA

You do? Oh please, sirs, tell me where he is and how I can find him and bring him back!

 

WIZARD 2

Your love is the prisoner of Aquilia, the lonely Queen of the Cold North Wind. Even now she prepares to make him her husband!

 

ANGELINA

Oh no! That cannot be! I must rescue him! Tell me how to get to the queen’s castle! Please tell me!

 

WIZARD 1

Fair maiden---we give you warning! The castle of Aquilia is guarded by terrible dangers. You will need this almond. It will help.

(He offers Angelina the nut)

 

ANGELINA

Oh, no thank you. I’m not the least bit hungry.

 

WIZARD 1

Oh no, child, this nut is not for eating. This almond is a magical almond, with a very special power!

 

Take this nut, this magical nut,

And mind you, use it wisely!

Open it when the time is right,

When brambles block out all the light,

When try as you may and try as you might—

Crack open this magical nut!

(She takes the nut)

 

WIZARD 1

This almond, my dear, is a wondrous nut!

It’s food for the brain when you’re stuck in a rut.

This almond is mighty in magic, I say,

For when it is opened plants wither away.

 

ANGELINA

Well, I don't know how much good a magical weed-killing almond will do for me, but still, I thank you for your help. Could you point me toward the Queen’s castle?

 

WIZARD 2 (Baritone) (An even older-looking wizard)

Oh my. Wait a moment, sweetie; you’ll need this pistachio! (He holds out a nut)

 

ANGELINA

Wonderful! Another nut.

 

WIZARD 2

Take this nut, this magical nut,

And mind you, use it wisely!

Open it when the time is right

When waters spread out, as dark as night,

When you seem to have lost your only light—

Crack open this magical nut!

(She takes the nut)

 

WIZARD 2

Pistachios, dear, are a brilliant green;

A singular nut, the finest I’ve seen!

If ever by water you’re made to cry,

This magic pistachio turns wet to dry!

 

WIZARDS 1 and 2

Take this nut, this magical nut

And mind you, use it wisely!

Only when the time is right

Crack open this magical nut!

 

WIZARD 1                                                                 WIZARD 2

This almond, my dear, is a wondrous nut!                 Pistachios, dear, are a brilliant green;

It’s food for the brain when you’re stuck in a rut.      A singular nut, the finest I’ve seen!

This almond is mighty in magic, I say,                      If ever by water you’re made to cry,

For when it is opened plants wither away.                 This magic pistachio turns wet to dry!

 

WIZARD 3 (Bass?) (Positively ancient)

But wait! I must give you one as well! Have a hazelnut, my dear! (He holds out a nut)

 

Take this nut, this magical nut,

And mind you, use it wisely!

Open it when the time is right,

When the door you need is fastened tight,

When your captive love is almost in sight—

Crack open this magical nut!

(She takes the nut)

 

WIZARD 3

The hazelnut is a very fine fella,

For without him we would have no Nutella!

This hazelnut truly your love will restore,

For when opened, this nut will unlock any door!

 

WIZARDS 1, 2 and 3

Take this nut, this magical nut

And mind you, use it wisely!

Only when the time is right

Crack open this magical nut!

 

WIZARD 1                             WIZARD 2                                         WIZARD 3

This almond, my dear,            Pistachios, dear,                                  The hazelnut

   is a wondrous nut!                  are a brilliant green;                            is a very fine fella,

It’s food for the brain              A singular nut,                                    For without him

   when you’re stuck in a rut.    the finest I’ve seen!                            we would have no Nutella!

This almond is mighty            If ever by water                                   This hazelnut truly

   in magic, I say,                       you’re made to cry,                             your love will restore,

For when it is opened             This magic pistachio                           For when opened this nut

   plants wither away.                 turns wet to dry!                                 will unlock any door!

 

WIZARDS 1, 2 and 3

Take this nut, this magical nut

And mind you, use it wisely!

Only when the time is right

Crack open this magical nut!

 

ANGELINA

I thank you all most kindly for your advice and for… the nuts. But I need to get to the Queen’s castle! Do you know a way I can get there as quickly as possible? I simply must rescue my

Vincenzo before that evil queen marries him!

 

WIZARD 3

Our eldest brother is Zephyrus, the Wizard of the warm West Wind! He lives in the clouds, just up there. You should go and see him.

 

ANGELINA

But however am I going to get all the way up there?

 

WIZARD 1

It’s very simple—we can send you.

 

WIZARD 3 (or whichever was Giacomo)

(reminds the audience how to make the wind sound)

(when ready) Ready, boys?

 

WIZARDS 1, 2, and 3 (Conjuring a whirlwind, children instructed to make the wind sounds)

(Angelina begins to spin, and disappears into a swirling fog, or some such thing)

 

WIZARDS 1, 2 and 3 (waving)

Goodbye! Goodbye!

 

WIZARD 1 (imitating Billy Crystal’s Miracle Max character from the Princess Bride)

Have fun storming the castle!

 

(the other two look at him quizzically…)

 

WIZARD 3 (waving and smiling)

Goodbye!

 

 

 

********************************************************************* SCENE 6

In the cloud castle of the Wizard of the West Wind (5:15) (35:30)

 

ANGELINA (looking around the entrance to the cloud castle)

Oh my, what a wonderful place! (She looks down, and is at first afraid, then fascinated)

I can see my village! And there is smoke coming from our chimney—my father must be baking

today. Probably baking our wedding cake. (suddenly sad) I hope there will be a wedding!

(resolved) If I don't get to the Queen’s castle right away I may never see my pastry prince again!

(She approaches the door and knocks)

 

ZEPHYRUS

Come in, my dear, come in! It's always nice to welcome visitors! I am Lord Zephyrus, Grand

High Wizard of the West Wind, First Lord of the Aeolian Breezes, etc. etc... I know why you are here, my dear. We both want to go to the castle of Aquilia, the dread Queen of the Cold North Wind! As aloof as she is beautiful…  So she has captured your young man, eh? She must be very lonely indeed. ::sigh::  If only she would notice ME…

 

ANGELINA

Oh, sir, do you love her?

 

ZEPHYRUS

Yes, I love her so much, but, but,… ::sigh::

 

Each night I sing to her my plaintive call

But I don’t think she hears my song at all.

I’ve loved her from afar since I was five,

But she doesn't even know that I’m alive…

 

Am I such a fool

For hoping that you’ll

Be mine, Aquilia?

 

Am I wasting my time

Going out of my mind

For you, Aquilia?

 

Oh would you

Oh could you

Come dance in the wood? You

 

Could love me

Kid-glove me

Soar high above me

 

Oh willya,

Aquilia?

Come on, would it killya?

To dance with me? (he dances a little tango with his imaginary Aquilia)

 

ANGELINA (clapping, having enjoyed his song very much)

Lord Zephyrus, perhaps we can help each other! If you can take me to her castle I can rescue Vincenzo, and you can meet the Queen and show her how charming you are!

 

ZEPHYRUS

I like the way you think, Angelina! Here’s how we’ll do it--we will go in a whirlwind just outside the castle; I’ll fly up and attempt to distract the Queen while you make your way to the dungeons. If we are lucky, we may BOTH dance with our true loves today!

 

ANGELINA                                                               

My joy is overflowing since                                       

I’m finally going to rescue my prince!                       

I can hardly wait to see you swell                              

When I break you out of your dungeon cell!             

 

ZEPHYRUS

My heart is so full of anticipation

To see my source of my infatuation!

Aquilia, I can finally say

That we are going to dance today!

 

ANGELINA and ZEPHYRUS

Today! Today is a dancing day!

A day for joy! A day for hooray!

Today we dance with our valentines

You with yours, and I with mine!

(The audience once again makes the wind noises as Zephyrus and Angelina fly away)

 

 

 

********************************************************************* SCENE 7

Near the ice castle of Aquilia  (2:00)(37:30)

 

ANGELINA (arriving in a swirl of wind)

Oh what a thrill! To ride on the wind! Oh thank you, My Lord Zephyrus! May you find the love you seek! And may I find mine!

 

Soon we’ll be back together!

Soon I will see my true love!

Soon he will fold his arms ‘round me,

The one that I’m in search of!

 

(She begins to move toward the castle, but is stopped by the magical bramble hedge)

Oh, these brambles! Their branches are so thick I cannot get through, and their thorns have scratched me so! What am I going to do?

 

(She hears the refrain of the Wizard’s song and remembers her magic almond)

 

“Open it when the time is right,

When brambles block out all the light”

Try as I may and try as I might—

Crack open this magical nut!

 

(she cracks open the almond, and the bramble hedge withers away, allowing passage; but she is then trapped by a vast, dark lake that surrounds the castle)

 

Oh my, however will I get across this lake? The water is so dark and scary! Oh, I’ll never see

Vincenzo again! What am I going to do?

 

(Again she hears the Wizards’ tune, and remembers…)

 

“Open it when the time is right,

When waters spread out, as dark as night,”

When I seem to have lost my only light—

Crack open this magical nut!

 

(she cracks open the pistachio, and the waters all dry up, allowing passage across to the castle)

 

I’m coming for you, my love! (exit)

 

 

 

********************************************************************* SCENE 8

In the castle of Aquilia

 

AQUILIA

Soon, soon the sun will set and I will have a husband.

(Zephyrus appears on the breeze)

(startled) Ah! Who are you?

 

ZEPHYRUS

My gracious Lady, I am Zephyrus, Grand High Wizard of the West Wind, at your service!

 

AQUILIA (intrigued)

I have never had an embassy from the West Wind! Why have you come here?

 

ZEPHYRUS

I have come here in person, my Lady, on an urgent matter that can no longer be delayed!

 

AQUILIA

Well, then, out with it, sir!

 

ZEPHYRUS

My Lady, you are even more beautiful in person than I ever imagined! 

Your eyes are like secret mountain lakes reflecting the heavens on a perfect Spring day! 

Your hair is like the golden wheat as it sways in a sweet Summer breeze! 

Your voice is crisp as an Autumn apple! And your kingdom glistens with the crystalline beauty of a million Winter snowflakes!

(Aquilia is at a loss for words at the positive attention)

 

ZEPHYRUS (drops to one knee)

Aquilia, my beautiful Majesty, I love you! I’ve always loved you! And I give you my solemn promise to love you forever and ever!

 

Each night I sang to you my plaintive call

But I don’t think you heard my song at all.

(resolved)

Well, now I’m here to woo you face to face

And offer you my long-delayed embrace!

 

Was I such a fool

For hoping that you’ll

Be mine, Aquilia?

 

Was I wasting my time

Going out of my mind

For you, Aquilia?                                            AQUILIA

 

Oh would you                                                 Oh would I?

Oh could you                                                  Oh could I?

Come dance in the wood?                              Come dance in the wood?

 

You could love me,                                        I could love you,

Kid-glove me,                                                 Kid-glove you,

Fly high above me!                                         Fly high above you!

 

AQUILIA

There’s been no man

Who could roman-ce

My heart as

This man has!

 

I’m nervous

Dear Zephyrus,

But oh how delicious

To dance with you!

(They dance, as Angelina stealthily approaches the magic door)

 

AQUILIA

Tell me more about my eyes… (Aquilia and Zephyrus exit)

 

ANGELINA (When the coast is clear, she inspects the door)

Vincenzo, are you in there?

 

PRINCE

Angelina??

 

ANGELINA

I’m here, my love!

However will I open this door? There isn't even a lock or knob or anything! Oh dear.

 

(Again she hears the Wizards’ tune, and remembers…)

 

“Open it when the time is right,

When the door you need is fastened tight,

When your captive love is almost in sight--”

Crack open this magical nut!

 

(she cracks open the hazelnut, and the dungeon door magically opens before her. He emerges and they embrace!)

 

ANGELINA   

Oh, Vincenzo! My love!                                 

 

PRINCE

Angelina! You came for me!

 

ANGELINA and PRINCE

Now we two are together;

Now I’ve met my true love;   

Now with your arms folded ‘round me 

The one that I’ve so long dreamed of! 

 

(Aquilia enters with Zephyrus, clearly a couple now)

 

PRINCE

Ha ha, Aquilia—I told you my Angelina would come and rescue me! Now you must release me, as you promised!

 

AQUILIA

Yes, dear boy, a promise is a promise! You are free to go, and with my blessing, er… with our blessing!

 

ZEPHYRUS

I think we’re all to be congratulated,

For two weddings will soon be celebrated!

(They congratulate each other, as Salvatore joins the characters for the finale quintet)

 

SALVATORE

Although, dear friends, our story was involved,

The conflicts all are thoroughly resolved!

The lost are found and wrongs they have been righted;

And happy couples thus have been united!

 

My daughter found her husband, and Zephyrus his bride;

All are happy, with true love by their side.

The Pastry Prince’s story is complete

Remember, friends: Enjoy, for life is sweet!

 

Ah, the sweet life!

Dolce, dolcissima!

Dance and be merry,

Let wedding bells ring!

 

ALL

 

Ah, the sweet life!

Bella, bellissima!

True love will guide us,

Forever we’ll sing! (Fin.)

 

(The actors immediately begin to remove their costumes, put props away, and congratulate each other on a show well-performed)

 

 

******************************************************************** SCENE 9

Before the Duke's Palazzo

 

 

GIACOMO

Oho, young man—you were marvelous as the Pastry Prince! With you by our side, our play tonight is sure to please the Duke, and we’ll be able to fulfill our promise!

 

DUKE

Alas, my new friends, I am sorry to say that I cannot perform with you this evening. I have urgent business I must attend to.

 

GINA

What? But I thought we… (upset, feeling jilted)

 

ALFREDO

That’s it! We’re ruined! It’s like Mario all over again! The Duke of Boloney is going to have our heads!

 

ANNAMARIA

I knew I shouldn't have agreed to work with amateurs!

 

GIACOMO (defeated, exasperated, befusticated and bebothered)

::: sigh ::: That settles it, then. I’ll have to go tell the Duke that we must break our promise.

(he is upset, holding the Duke’s token; the other players attempt to comfort him)

It’s over. After all these years together…

 

GINA

It’ll be all right, papa! (the players half-heartedly agree. They have a moment of grieving, until Giacomo composes himself)

 

GIACOMO

(they share a sad moment. This is goodbye)

(To the Duke) But no hard feelings, my boy--we do thank you for helping us put on one last show, even if it was just a rehearsal. What did you say your name was again?

 

DUKE (He reveals his hidden livery/coat of arms, the same as the token)

My name is Signor Giancarlo Francesco Antonio di Montecapo, Duke of Bologna!

(All are excited and shocked by this news, esp. Gina)

 

GIACOMO et al.

My Lord!/Your grace! (They all genuflect)

 

DUKE

Your performance pleased me deeply, and I am prepared to make an offer to you and your company.

 

GIACOMO

Yes, my Lord?

 

DUKE

Instead of performing one night only, I offer you the opportunity to become the permanent entertainers at my palace. And you, good Giacomo, will become my Minister of Merriment!

 

GIACOMO

My Lord, I… I don't know what to say!

 

DUKE

An actor with nothing to say? Now there’s a bel pasticcio if ever I saw one! Well how is this to loosen your tongue? I, the Duke, have fallen madly, deeply, passionately in love with your most charming daughter, Angelina, and (dropping to his knees) I do humbly beg for your blessing that

I may ask her to be my wife.

 

GIACOMO (flabbergasted)

I.. I.. I.. (looks at Gina, questioning; she assents) YES! You have my blessing, my boy! Err… my Lord!

 

DUKE (to Gina, dropping to his knees again and taking her hands)

My dearest Angelina, would you do me the honor of becoming my promised wife, the Duchess of Boloney?

 

GINA

Yes! Yes! If you promise not to blow away in a magical storm!

 

DUKE

I promise.

 

(They embrace)

 

DUKE

Oh I am the Duke of Bologna;

The luckiest man I know!

I’m blessed with a Duchess;

I’m caught in her clutches;

Together we’ll see every show!

 

ALL

He is the Duke of Bologna;

He’s handsome, he’s witty, he’s wise!

 

GINA

My love will sustain him!

 

ALL (except Duke)

Our shows entertain him!

 

ALL

Oh, what a perfect surprise!

 

GIACOMO

We’ve put on a show

 

ALFREDO

The best show we know!

 

GINA and DUKE

An exciting distraction,

With true love attraction!

 

ANNAMARIA

And a beautiful queen

So cold and so mean,

 

ALFREDO (interrupting)

But whose heart was romanced

By a song and a dance!

 

ALL

And here we’ll remain

To perform once again!

 

GIACOMO and ALFREDO

Singing and dancing

 

GINA and DUKE

And sweeeeet romancing!

 

GIACOMO

The Duke loves a gala…

 

ANNAMARIA

So who needs La Scala!

 

ALL

We'll put on more operas,

That noblest of arts,

Where the show is far greater

Than the sum of the parts!

 

We’ll act and we’ll dance,

And of course we will sing;

To please the young Duke

An opera's the thing!

 

We’ll act and we’ll dance,

And of course we will sing;

For you, our new friends,

An opera's the thing!

(They dance)

 

An opera! More opera! The opera!

Long live opera!!

 

Fin. Fin.