The impoverished Duke and Duchess of Plaza-Toro come to Venice in search of the heir to the throne of Barataria, inconveniently mislaid at birth and betrothed to their daughter. The most likely candidates are two handsome gondoliers, far more interested in parties than politics and, what's more, just married! It takes the help of the nursemaid to unravel the knots in this particularly twisty tale.
Opening and Overture
Act One
List and learn
Good morrow, pretty maids
For the merriest fellows are we
See, see, at last they come to make their choice
Buon' giorno, signorine!
We're called gondolieri
And now to choose our brides!
Are you peeping?
Thank you, galliant gondolieri!
From the sunny Spanish shore
In enterprise of martial kind
O rapture, when alone together
There was a time, a time forever gone
I stole the Prince, and I brought him here
But, bless my heart, consider my position!
Try we life-long, we can never
Bridegroom and bride!
When a merry maiden marries
Kind sir, you cannot have the heart
Do not give way to this uncalled-for grief
Then one of us will be a Queen
Now pray, what is the cause of this remarkable hilarity?
Replying, we sing as one individual
For everyone who feels inclined
Come, let's away - our island crown awaits me
Now Marco dear, my wishes hear
Then away they go to an island fair
Act Two
Of happiness the very pith
Rising early in the morning
Take a pair of sparkling eyes
Here we are, at the risk of our lives
After sailing to this island
Dance a cachucha, fandango, bolero
There lived a King, as I've been told
In a contemplative fashion, and a tranquil frame of mind
With ducal pomp and ducal pride
This polite attention touches
On the day when I was wedded
To help unhappy commoners
Here is a case unprecedented!
Now let the loyal lieges gather round
Speak, woman, speak ! We're all attention!
The Royal Prince was by the King entrusted
Luiz! Casilda!
Once more, gondolieri
Curtain and Credits
"The Australian Opera has prepared a stylish and exhilarating Gondoliers... it also offers many opportunities for biting humor and the release of unbridled energy."
- The Australian
"...costumes are dazzling; the choreography is exuberant; and every member of the cast gives the impression of enjoying their roles."
- The Sydney Morning Herald
THE GONDOLIERS: Opera Australia 
