As a baby, Marie was found abandoned on a battlefield and taken in by the soldiers of the 21st Regiment, who raised her as their own daughter. Now grown up, she proudly serves as the regiment's canteen girl and shares a deep bond with her many "fathers."

Marie falls in love with a local Tyrolean villager named Tonio, who once saved her life. To win her hand, Tonio must first prove himself to the regiment. He does this by enlisting as a soldier and bravely demonstrating his loyalty. However, complications arise when a wealthy aristocrat, the Marquise of Berkenfield, claims Marie as her long-lost niece and insists she be raised as a proper lady.

As Marie struggles between love, loyalty, and the pressures of high society, the opera balances touching emotion with light-hearted humor. In the end, love and family win out, and Marie is allowed to marry Tonio, reuniting with her beloved regiment.

Conductor - Richard Buckley

Lighting Design - Kathryn Eader

Set Design - Boyd Ostroff

Costumes - Beni Montresor for Malibar

Wigs and Make-up - Melanie Steele

Choreographer - Greg Easley

Marie - Rachele Gilmore

Tonio - Rene Barbera

Sulpice - Stefano de Peppo

Marquise de Birkenfield - Cindy Sadler

Hortensio - Brett Barnes

Austin Opera Chorus

Productions