AustLit

Burletta (in one act).

The plot revolves around William (a music teacher) and Captain O'Leary (commander of the troops at Little Puddleton), who are both competing for the hand of the mayor's daughter, Fanny Dobbs. Against her father's preference, Fanny chooses William. The mayor and Captain O'Leary pledge that they will accept the situation only if it should happen that one day they both go down on their knees and kiss William's hand. A short time later, the mayor receives a letter informing him of the imminent visit to the town of Catalini, an Italian prima donna. Upon her arrival, the diva is naturally greeted in a most flattering manner, two of the most respectful being (naturally) Mayor Dobbs and Captain O'Leary, who both salute the diva's extended hand on their bended knees. At this point, Catalini throws off her wig and clothing to reveal herself as William. He and Fanny are forthwith married and 'so we conclude, at least live happily for the rest of their lives'. A theatre critic writing for the New South Wales Examiner proposed in his review that not only was the burletta's story 'its least recommendation', but also that the plot device concerning the pledge was 'most improbable' (11 May 1842, p.3).