VERONIQUE - ANDRÉ MESSAGER
The Regis Mengus's power of seduction, allied to his natural talent as a lyric singer and actor, did not go unnoticed When he interprets Florestan, in this production for the Opera of Saint-Etienne (Dezembro2010 / Janeiro2011)
Act 1
The Viscount Florestan's lifestyle - young aristocrat irresponsible - left him heavily in debt. His uncle, tired of paying the young's debts, made him choose between getting married or going to jail.Florestan is in love with Agathe, wife of Mr. Coquenard, who owns a flower shop.
Recently arrived from Paris, Helene, wealthy heiress chosen as Florestan bride, is not happy with the marriage. Her aunt, the Countess Ermerance of Champ's d'Azur, takes her to the flower shop to buy a small bouquet, for the commemoration of betrothal. Florestan arrives at the store and ends his love affair with Agathe, complains have to marry a mere provincial lady. Hélène listens and promises revenge in his heart, although he felt strongly attracted by the Viscount.
Florestan invites all the employees of the florist to a party in Romainville, to celebrate his last day as a single man. Helene and Ermerance disguise themselves as sellers under the pseudonym Veronique and Estelle. The old Coquenard receives his nomination of Captain of the National Guard, and his enthusiasm, hires Veronique and Estelle as clerks. Veronique attracts the attention of Florestan, annoying Agathe, whose husband had also demonstrated interest in new florist.
Act 2
During the wedding of Seraphin and his fiancee Denise, Florestan demonstrates his love for Veronique, she pretends shyness, while inwardly laughs.He decides not to take part his own party that night, and demands away the carriages. Helene and Ermerance, pretend to return to Paris, leaving a letter from Veronique to Florestan, in Which she begs apologizing for the departure and she suggests that "they Could meet before long." He decides to go to jail instead to marry an unknown bride.
Act 3
The captain Coquenard and his wife are invited to a party at the court. They meet with Estelle and Veronique, and recognize Them. Agathe declares that Florestan decided to go to jail rather than marry a stranger, because he loves Veronique. Hélène hurries to pay his debts to free him.
When Florestan discovered through Agathe, that Hélène and Veronique are the same person, he rejects her. At the end reconcile themselves and celebrate the wedding.