Lyric Opera 2022-2023 Issue 5 - Le Comte Ory

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 24 Synopsis continued ACT II Inside Formoutiers Castle At the castle that evening, the women angrily discuss Ory’s plot. A storm breaks, and cries for help are heard from outside from a group of pilgrim women who claim that Ory is pursuing them. They are in fact the count and his men, disguised as nuns. The countess lets them in, and one of them asks to express their gratitude. It is Ory, who, when left alone with the countess, is barely able to contain his feelings. The countess herself begins to suspect. She orders a simple meal of fruit and milk for the guests and leaves. Raimbaud, who has discovered the castle’s wine cellar, enters with enough proper beverages for everybody. The men’s carousing is disturbed by Ragonde and soon gives way to pious chanting. Isolier informs the countess that the Crusaders will return that night. When Ragonde offers to tell their guests, Isolier realizes who they are and, along with the countess, decides to play a joke on Ory. He extinguishes the lamp in the countess’s bedroom as Ory approaches to pay her an unexpected visit. Misled by the countess’s voice, Ory makes his advances toward Isolier and all three enjoy a playful tryst. The other pilgrims are led off to stay with the women of the castle. When trumpets announce the return of the Crusaders, Isolier reveals his identity, and Ory is left with no choice but to make his escape. The men return from the Crusades and the countess is reunited with her brother. All husbands with wives proceed to enjoy a magical evening of storms and playful jokes. Reprinted courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera