The Fashionable Lady; or, Harlequin's Opera

About the show

Framed as a rehearsal, the work opens with Mr. Meanwell, Mr. Ballad and Mr. Modely arguing over English and Italian opera for a wedding, then calling in the players to begin Mr. Drama’s piece. The play mixes dialogue with ballad airs set to familiar tunes, turning to debates over taste and fashionable intrigues. In Act III, Sir Peevish Terrible convenes a mock court to try Harlequin before the company continues with songs and a concluding ensemble. The satire targets English drama, theatrical management and the vogue for Italian opera.