The secret marriage is the one contracted by a young shopkeeper (Paolino) with the master's daughter (Carolina). The father Geronimo, a rich merchant, is eager to marry off his two daughters to as many titled men, beginning with the eldest daughter (Elisetta), for whom he has already arranged marriage to Count Robinson against promise of a lavish dowry. He can therefore tell Carolina that the time will come for her too to marry an aristocrat.
Count Robinson arrives in the meantime and immediately lets it be known that he is more attracted to Carolina than to Elisetta.                  In an attempt to discourage him, Carolina tells him that she is a simple girl, not at all interested in nobility. The count does not lose heart and shortly afterwards renews his advance. In a private conversation with Geronimo, the count declares that he really wants to marry Carolina and that he is prepared to give up half the dowry if, in return for Elisetta, he can marry Carolina. The idea of such substantial savings calms the old man's fury and paves the way for a new agreement. Paolino had hoped for the help of the count, his former master, to disclose Geronimo the union he had contracted with his daughter. Paolino convinces Carolina to attempt with him to escape from home. In the meantime, Elisetta convinces Geronimo to send Carolina into a 'retreat' and insist that the count keep his first promise.            Everything will be done the next day. It is night and everyone goes to their rooms, but no one is really asleep: Paolino and Carolina are about to flee, when a noise makes them flinch; Elisetta believes the count and his sister have locked themselves in their room and calls her father and aunt as witnesses; the count feels accused and goes out .          The comings and goings lead to the discovery of the newlyweds, who finally reveal their secret to Geronimo. At that point the count agrees to marry Elisetta and intercedes in favour of Paolino and Carolina.    Elisetta does the same, until Geronimo's anger gives way to forgiveness and general merriment.
Teatro Massimo, Palermo: 30 September and 1, 2 ,4 ,5 October
Click here to reserve seats