impresario of the opera company, Eslami paces as he and others fret over Violetta’s condition. Their worst fears materialize when Violetta rolls in, pushed by Gian Carlo Testadura, divo. Heated arguments erupt as members sweat the loss of their star singer. A hush falls over the room when music director Ralph Headstrom hits on something, “What about we do Lucia, in the style of Mamma Mia?” Opera! The Musical is born!

As excited cast members exit, Violettta Maledetta remains alone. Suspecting she will be replaced, a nightmare sequence ensues as she watches her name torn from marquees and posters. Disturbing visions of ingénue, Felicia Singswell, surround and torment her. Felicia grabs the spotlight and it seems Violetta is forgotten.

Outside Eslami’s office his assistant, Terry Treadwell, failed dancer and aspiring choreographer, laments his lot in life. Curious about the evolving and all too familiar scene in Eslami’s office, he eavesdrops. Felicia is inside, fighting desperately for her part while also fending off Eslami’s lecherous advances. Atticus Lynch, Felicia’s agent, enters just in time.

Pushing past Terry to Eslami’s private office, he wins the battle for Felicia’s honor but loses her the leading role in the process. An angry Eslami tears her contract to pieces.

As Atticus and Felicia exit, Gian Carlo and Violetta appear. Unaware that Felicia has already sunk her own ship, Violetta tries to hypnotize Eslami with her erotic wheelchair- bound rendition of the Habanera. Opera! The Musical, seems dead almost as fast as it was born! Believing she has single-handedly championed opera, Violetta circles in a victory lap before leaving. Eslami berates Terry Treadwell for letting everyone into his private office. Terry, bitter and fed up, schemes to expose Eslami.

On the razed Valkyries set, still a mess from Violetta’s accident. Music director Ralph Headstrom observes from afar as Felicia sobs next to the broken piano. She remains unaware of his entrance as he fights for the courage to approach her. We learn that it was love at first sight for the shy young director. (Continued)