SYNOPSIS 

ACT I

At Mustafà’s Harem Bar and Grill, Elvira, complains that her husband, restaurant owner and part time mobster, Mustafà, no longer loves her. Mustafà bursts asserting he will not let women get the better of him. Mustafà has tired of his wife and will give her to Lindoro, a young Italian forced to work off his gambling debts, to marry. He orders Haly, his right hand man, to provide an Italian woman for himself, someone more interesting than the girls in his employ, all of whom bore him. Lindoro longs for his own sweetheart, Isabella, whom he lost when he was captured.

Later, Isabella arrives after being shipwrecked. Though in danger, she is confident of her skill in taming men. Haly seizes Taddeo and Isabella, but when he learns that both captives are Italian, he rejoices in having found the new star for their “Harem”. Taddeo is aghast at the aplomb with which Isabella takes his news. After a quarrel about his jealousy, they decide they had better face their predicament together.

Elvira’s slave, Zulma, tries to reconcile Lindoro and her mistress to the fact that Mustafà has ordered them to marry. Mustafà promises Lindoro he may return to Italy, if he takes Elvira. Seeing no other way, Lindoro accepts.

Mustafà welcomes Isabella with ceremony. Elvira and Lindoro, about to leave for Italy, come to say good-bye to the boss, and Lindoro and Isabella are stunned to recognize each other.

To prevent Lindoro’s departure, Isabella insists that Mustafà cannot banish his wife, adding that Lindoro must stay as her own personal servant. Between the frustration of Mustafà’s plans and the happy but confused excitement of the lovers, everyone’s head reels.

Act II

Elvira and various members of the staff are discussing how easily the Italian woman has cowed Mustafà, who declares he will visit Isabella for coffee. Isabella is upset because Lindoro apparently broke faith with her by agreeing to escape with Elvira, but he reassures her of his loyalty and she promises to come up with of a scheme for their freedom.
Mustafà reappears, followed by attendants with the terrified Taddeo, who is to be honored as Kaimakan, or personal bodyguard, in exchange for helping secure Isabella’s affections. Dressed in Turkish garb, he sees no choice but to accept the compulsory honor.

Next, Isabella dons Turkish clothes herself and prepares for Mustafà’s visit. To make him impatient, she keeps him waiting, as her “servant” Lindoro acts as go-between. At length she presents herself to Mustafà, who introduces Taddeo as his Kaimakan. Mustafà sneezes—a signal for Taddeo to leave—but Taddeo stays, and Isabella invites Elvira to stay for coffee, to Mustafà’s displeasure. When Isabella insists that he treat his wife gently, Mustafà bursts out in annoyance, while the others wonder what to make of his fulminations.

As Lindoro and Taddeo plan their escape, Taddeo says he is Isabella’s true love. Lindoro is amused but realizes he needs Taddeo’s help in dealing with Mustafà, who enters, still furious. Lindoro says Isabella actually cares very much for Mustafà and wants him to prove his worthiness by entering the Italian order of Pappataci.

Isabella readies a feast of initiation as Mustafà arrives. The lovers prepare to embark with the rest of the Italian captives. When Mustafà finally responds, the Italians have the situation under control and bid a courteous farewell. Mustafà, his lesson learned, takes Elvira back, and everyone sings the praises of the resourceful Italian woman.