Doctor Miracle

Doctor Miracle is a one-act comic opera. The story is set in the town of Padua, Italy, in the 19th century. The action takes place in the home of the town’s mayor.

The opera opens with the Mayor, his second wife Veronica, and his daughter, Laurette, sitting on their terrace. They hear a loud noise and see a door-to-door salesman, Doctor Miracle, selling his cure-all remedy. Unknown to the family, Doctor Miracle is really Silvio, a military captain in disguise who is in love with Laurette.

After a time, the three turn their attention away from Doctor Miracle. The Mayor informs his daughter that he has hired a new servant, Pasquin, to replace his old servant whom he had fired for passing love notes between Silvio and Laurette. He leaves to retrieve Pasquin.

Laurette is soon lost in her own thoughts, singing of her love for Silvio. However, her father already has plans for her to marry the local chemist. He does not like Silvio and has told Laurette she is not allowed to even speak to him.

The Mayor returns with Pasquin and introduces him to Laurette and Veronica. The family does not realize Pasquin is really Silvio, once again in disguise. The Mayor asks the ladies to leave so he can speak to Pasquin alone. After a few minutes of conversation, the Mayor realizes he and Pasquin will get along famously as they both share a deep dislike for soldiers. He is further impressed when Pasquin informs him that he is an excellent chef and asks him to put his culinary skills to use by making lunch for the family.

Pasquin makes an omelet for the family’s lunch. The awful smell and taste of the omelet send the Mayor and his wife running from the house. This gives Silvio the chance to remove his disguise and indulge in a love duet with Laurette. When the Mayor returns, he finds the pair and orders Silvio out of the house.

Soon a letter arrives with a message for the Mayor stating that the omelet he tasted was poisoned and there is no antidote. The family panics. When they realize that the village doctor is out of town, the Mayor sends for Doctor Miracle. Doctor Miracle arrives and agrees to save the day, but only if he is granted Laurette’s hand in marriage. The Mayor agrees to the marriage and scrambles to get the prescription from Doctor Miracle. When he begins to read it, he realizes that he was never actually poisoned, and the “Doctor” reveals that his true identity is Silvio. The Mayor is furious when he realizes he has been tricked and tells Silvio that he will never marry Laurette. Finally, after the family and Silvio plead with him, the Mayor gives in to the merry mood and joins in celebrating Laurette’s happiness. All is well, and everyone is happy.