Emperor Gallery
Eccentric Dr. Balliardo (Robert Matney, right) discusses the mystic wonders of the lunar world with his servant, the fool Scaramouche (Robert Deike).
Dr. Balliardo's sheltered daughter Elaria (Kate Caldwell) and her sophisticated cousin Bellemante (Rebecca Nell Robertson) read from their lovers' letters.
Bellemante's lover Charmante (Michael Mergen) enlists his rustic kinsmen in a plan to dupe Dr. Balliardo and win the ladies' hands in marriage (chorus back: Rebecca Crown, Wetzel Parker, Shanna Smith; front: Kai Robertson, Shannon Grounds, Tommy Lawrence).
The Four Elements, Water (Shannon Grounds), Earth (Kai Robertson), Fire (Tommy Lawrence), and Air (Rebecca Crown) dance with Dr. Balliardo (Robert Matney) around his telescope.
When Dr. Balliardo comes home unexpectedly, the partygoers disguise themselves as an Italian tapestry (from top left: Andy Bond, Michael Mergen, Jeremy Brown, Kim Nagy, Wetzel Parker, Rebecca Nell Robertson, Tommy Lawrence, Kate Caldwell, Kai Robertson, Shanna Smith, Shannon Grounds, Rebecca Crown).
Disguised as a farmer and an apothecary, the fools Harlequin (Andy Bond) and Scaramouche (Robert Deike) compete for the favors of Mopsophil.
Disguised as the Prince of Thunderland and the Emperor of the Moon, Charmante (Michael Mergen) and Cinthio (Jeremy Brown) descend to Earth to claim their brides.
The pretended Prince (Michael Mergen) and Emperor (Jeremy Brown) speak through their earthly interpreter, the "Strentophon" (Wetzel Parker, Kai Robertson, Rebecca Crown, Shannon Grounds, Shanna Smith, Tommy Lawrence).
The two couples (Rebecca Nell Robertson, Michael Mergen, Jeremy Brown, Kate Caldwell) are united in marriage by the moon priestess (Shanna Smith) and lunar chorus (Kai Robertson, Shannon Grounds, Wetzel Parker, Rebecca Crown, Tommy Lawrence).
Dr. Balliardo (Robert Matney), shattered to learn that the Emperor and his court were a shabby charade, is soothed by his physician (Robert Stevens).
Cast and chorus sing the finale (back: Robert Deike, Kim Nagy, Michael Mergen, Rebecca Nell Robertson, Robert Matney; front: Shannon Grounds, Wetzel Parker).
Elaria's naughty chambermaid Mopsophil (Kim Nagy) plans to help the ladies meet their lovers.
Cinthio's valet Harlequin (Andy Bond), in love with Mopsophil, curses her treachery.
Bellemante's lover Charmante (Michael Mergen) disguises himself as a mystic to gain access to Dr. Balliardo's ear.
While Dr. Balliardo is away, the two young couples throw a party, including a steamy tango number. (Featured: Kai Robertson and Rebecca Crown)
Disguised as noble heroes of the lunar court, Harlequin (Andy Bond) and Scaramouche (Robert Deike) announce that they will duel for the hand of Mopsophil.
Photo credits: Marshall Hall and Rose Daniels