The Daughter of the Regiment Synopsis
1815 after the Battle of Marengo, Switzerland

Act I
Tyrolean Alps - Army Camp Site
The Tyrolean people have gathered in a field to pray for protection from battle with the French. Among them is the Marquise, who has stopped there with her steward, Hortensius, to await a safe journey back to her chateau. Sergeant Sulpice of the 21st regiment arrives and assures the villagers that his troops have come to restore peace and order. He is followed by Marie, who was found on the field of battle as an infant and was raised by the regiment as their ‘daughter.’ Sulpice comments on Marie’s recent strange behavior, and she explains that she was picking flowers when she slipped and was rescued by a courageous man who prevented her from falling over a cliff. Sulpice reminds Marie that she may only marry a soldier of the 21st regiment.

The soldiers enter with Tonio whom they have taken as a prisoner. Marie tells them that Tonio is the man who saved her life. They release him, and Tonio explains that he only approached the soldiers to be near the girl he loves. The soldiers decide to toast Marie’s savior and celebrate Tonio’s heroics rather than punish him. The sound of a drum signals a formation and the soldiers proceed, leaving Marie and Tonio alone. Sulpice returns to find Marie and Tonio kissing and tells her again that she may only marry a grenadier. Marie is angered by Sulpice’s stubbornness and threatens to join another regiment. Tonio is determined to be with Marie, so he joins the regiment in order to gain the regiment’s approval. The Marquise asks for permission to return to the chateau of Berkenfeld. Sulpice recognizes Berkenfeld as the name on documents which were with Marie when she was found as a baby on the battlefield. The Marquise examines the papers, declares that Marie is her niece, and demands that she live with her in the chateau. The regiment and Tonio are devastated to see Marie go, but they are powerless to keep her with them. Marie is deeply saddened, and hesitant to leave, but she wishes to respect her aunt.

Act II
A few months later in the Chateau of the Marquise
The Marquise and the Duchess of Krakenthorp discuss the terms of a wedding contract that they have arranged between Marie and the Duchess’ son, The Duke Jean-Luc. The Marquise tells Sulpice of her marital plans for Marie. Meanwhile, Marie has been training for a life of privilege, learning to dance the Minuet and sing classical arias. Marie confesses to Sulpice that she is dreading this marriage and misses Tonio. The grenadiers march in led by Tonio, who is reunited with Marie. The Marquise discovers them together, and despite Tonio’s heartfelt plea to be with Marie, she orders him to leave.

The guests arrive for the wedding of Marie and the Duke. The Marquise confesses to Sulpice that Marie is really her daughter, and that Marie was born out of wedlock. Sulpice tells this news to Marie, who feels that she cannot betray her mother by marrying Tonio. Tonio and the other soldiers stop Marie from signing the wedding contract, declaring that Marie is a vivandière and a “daughter of the regiment.” The guests are horrified at this scandalous behavior. Marie tells them that she could never repay her debt to the loyal soldiers. Hortensius then reveals that Marie and the Duke are actually brother and sister, who were switched at birth and, therefore, cannot marry one another. Finally, Marie and Tonio are reunited and given permission to marry, while everyone joins in a salute to France.

(c) Opera Company of Philadelphia, used with permission.