MARTHA

Composer: FRIED RICH VON FLOTOW Book by W. FRIED RICH First performance: Kdrnthnerthor Theatre, Vienna, November 25, 1847 5 acts. In ENGLAND, during the rule of Queen Anne, Lady Harriet and her friend Nancy, ina spirit of fun, take jobs as maids to two farmers, Lionel and Plunkett. The men immediately fall in love with the maids who have a umed the names Martha and Julia. The two women quickly tire of their jaunt, and escape by means of Sir Tristram, cousin of Lady Harriet. However, it develops that Lionel is actually the heir to the Earl of Derby’s title. A ring left by the man who had masqueraded as Lionel’s father proves the young man’s rightful heritage. Lady Harriet, who had had him thrown in prison when he threw himself at her feet during the royal hunt, now suddenly ceases to scorn him, and marries him.