The Daughter of the Regiment Synopsis

Act I
Tyrolean Alps - Army Camp Site
A conflict has broken out between French soldiers and a regiment of local peasants. A group of village women sing a prayer to the Virgin Mary to protect their men. On their way to Austria, the Marquise of Berkenfield and her steward, Hortensius, are unexpectedly caught in the action. The Marquise huffs and puffs that the French don’t know how to treat nobility (“Pour une femme de mon nom”). Word arrives that the French have retreated and the villagers rejoice. The sergeant Sulpice arrives with Marie, the “daughter” of the 21st regiment. She was found on a battlefield as a child and raised by the regiment as their own. Sulpice questions Marie about a young man she has been seen with recently. He makes a point to remind her that she can only marry a soldier of the 21st regiment. Marie explains that this young man saved her life when she fell on a mountainside. Soldiers enter with a young man they have caught spying. Marie recognizes him as Tonio, the young man who saved her. The soldiers are relieved to have their daughter safe and ask her to sing their regiment’s song (“Chacun le sait”). The men leave with Tonio, but he escapes and returns to Marie and they sing of their love (“De cet aveu si tendre”).

Hortensius has arranged a meeting for Sulpice and the Marquise. Through their exchange it is discovered that Marie is a long lost niece of the Marquise and they decide that Marie will go to live with the Marquise. Marie resists at first, but is softened when presented a note her real father penned before his death.

A drum calls the soldiers back to camp and they see Tonio approaching wearing one of the regiment’s caps. In one of opera’s most spectacular arias, Tonio announces to the group that he is now a soldier, and intends to marry Marie (“A mes amis”). Sulpice and Marie enter to deliver the bad news. Marie explains that it is true she is leaving and says goodbye (“Il faut partir”). She is also very flattered that Tonio has enlisted, and they exchange loving remarks one last time. Tonio is determined to follow her.

Act II
Chateau Berkenfield - A Drawing Room
Several months pass and Sulpice is recovering from an injury in the chateau. He appears in the drawing room at the call of the Marquise. She tells him that she has arranged a marriage for Marie to the Duke of Krakentorp, and that the Duke’s mother, the Dutchess, is arriving to meet Marie. The Marquise enlists Sulpice’s influence on Marie to help in preparing her for this meeting. She plans to have Marie sing for the Dutchess because word has gotten out that Marie is less than sophisticated. Marie enters for her singing lesson (“Le jour naissait dans la bocage”), but Sulpice encourages her to sing the regiment’s song instead. Hortensius enters out of breath explaining that there is a General at the door for Suplice. Alone, Marie laments over her situation (“C’en ne donc fait”), but suddenly she hears a military march. She opens the window and sees her regiment has come for her. She and Tonio embrace, and they, along with Sulpice, sing of how happy they are to be reunited (“Tous les tois réunis”). The Marquise enters and Marie introduces her to the man she loves. The Marquise rejects Tonio’s greeting, and he passionately explains to her why he has come (“Pour me rapprocher”). The Marquise exercises her authority and regains control of the situation, ordering that Tonio and his men leave at once. She confides in Sulpice that Marie is not her niece but her daughter, and she must marry the Duke to save both of their names. Sulpice agrees to not tell a soul and to help influence Marie’s decision.

Hortenius announces the arrival of distinguished guests, including the Duchess of Krakentorp. The Duchess is perturbed that Marie is not present. When she finally arrives they are interrupted by the arrival of Tonio and the soldiers. They announce in front of all the guests that Marie is not a noble lady, but a daughter of the regiment, and she will not be forced to marry a man she doesn’t love. Marie affirms that all this is true and explains the situation, winning over the crowd as well as her mother. The Marquise tells Marie that she may marry whomever she loves. Tonio and Marie unite and all sing to a bright future.