The Impresario (1976)

Mr. Scruples has closed an opera season that was artistically a success and financially a disaster. Disgusted with the jealousies and intrigues that plague an impresario, he has decided to retire to his farm in the country. Bluff, his scheming and manipulative assistant, enters to tell him that a new contract has been issued by the Ministry for the upcoming season. Mr. Scruples will have no part of it, explaining that there is no money left for a season of opera. Bluff has figured it all out and describes to his weary superior that costs can be reduced by eliminating the crowd scenes, using minimal scenery, modern dress, and very little lighting. In reply to Mr. Scruples’ protests concerning the salaries of the singers, Bluff explains that he can hire “fading stars” whose fees have shrunk with their vocal range, some younger talent who cannot demand much money, and lastly, those singers who don’t have any talent but are blessed with a good deal of material wealth – they will pay to appear in an opera! Mr. Scruples is shocked at these suggestions and insists that he will go to his farm. He exits followed by Bluff pleading with him to listen. There follows Mozart’s famous Overture.

As they return to the scene, Bluff informs the impresario that Mr. Angel the banker is waiting to see him. Mr. Scruples refuses, but Bluff runs out to bring the wealthy man into the office. Mr. Angel enters and, after some idle chit-chat, gets to the point. His current mistress is the famous Madame Coldentrill; if Mr. Scruples will engage her for the forthcoming season, Angel himself will give to the company I0,000 crowns. Mr. Scruples continues to protest but Bluff interrupts, urging Mr. Angel to bring Madame Goldentrill into the office.
The highly temperamental soprano makes her en- trance and insists on singing for Mr. Scruples in order to prove that she is still the greatest prima donna. After a brilliant display of her vocal technique, Madame Goldentrill gets down to business. She will sing all the dramatic leads for a mere pittance: 500 crowns per week. Mr. Scruples is dumbfounded and tries to protest; once again Bluff steps in and covers for his superior’s lack of tact. Madame Goldentrill decides that all is settled and leaves to wait in her carriage while the details are worked out among the three men.

Mr. Angel now informs Mr. Scruples that he has a protege: a young, vibrant soprano that has yet to appear on a stage but who possesses a remarkable voice. Her name is Miss Silverpeal. Mr. Scruples is shocked that the banker could be “associating” with two mistresses at the same time! Once again, Bluff saves the day and implies that there aren’t enough funds to engage two sopranos. Mr. Angel offers an additional 15,000 crowns if Miss Silverpeal is hired. He also implies that he would like a modest voice in the general policy of the opera company and leaves to bring in his talented discovery. Mr. Scruples is livid, but before he can sneak out the back way, Mr. Angel appears with Miss Silverpeal.
Miss Silverpeal displays a voice of beauty and agility in her audition aria. Mr. Scruples is impressed and begins to weaken as he offers the young lady a contract. She, however, is incensed at the offer and demands all the comedy leads, 750 crowns a week and a backstage maid. Mr. Angel attempts to console her and promises she will have all she desires, at which point Madame Goldentrill enters to witness the scene. Unsuccessful at- tempts are made to calm the ladies down as they launch into the famous Trio. Mr. Angel tries to bring order into the room, but the women ignore him and fight it out – vocally – as each insisting she is the greatest prima donna.

Mr. Scruples announces at the end of this display that he is retiring after all to his farm and names Bluff as the new impresario. Bluff declares himself to be the leading baritone of the company and then cedes the position to Mr. Angel. Before leaving the room, Mr. Scruples informs the others that opera will survive; despite the pettiness of the people who produce it.

Mr. Angel takes over and sternly warns the company that he will tolerate no nonsense from any of them. Bluff breaks open a bottle of champagne and the four of them toast the new Impresario, whoever he may be! They sing the rousing Finale in which each member sets forth his or her claim to honor and, in unison, they declare the inevitable:

Art will dwell in every hall
When all artists heed the call:
All for one, one for all!