Le docteur Ox

The French libretto was by Arnold Mortier and Philippe Gille, adapted from the 1872 short story Une fantaisie du docteur Ox by Jules Verne.

[1] Offenbach had already set a libretto based closely on a work by Verne with the opéra féerie Le voyage dans la lune in 1875.

[2] In changes to Verne's original story, romance was introduced in the form of Prascovia, a fiancée for Ox, and the liaison between Suzel and Frantz.

[4] Offenbach demanded many special effects such as syphons prepared to make the sound of gas being released, bells and a brass band for the kermesse, which caused strained relations with Bertrand, the theatre director.

[6] The work appeared at a difficult period for Offenbach after his return from America, which coincided in early 1877 with virulent attacks in the press, led by the senator Lucien Arbel, around the time of the production of Le docteur Ox.

[2] Le docteur Ox had 40 performances in its initial Paris run at the Théâtre des Variétés, but the piece faded after a brilliant start and was replaced by a revival of La Périchole.

Monsieur van Tricasse is the mayor of Quiquendone, a peaceful town where things take ten times longer to happen than normal.

He is now housed in a tower inventing a new gas which the Quiquendonniens believe will bring fame to their town but which he hopes will enliven and invigorate the people via a vast lighting system.

The servant Lotché, from the Midi, is unaffected by the general languor, and teases Frantz, in love with the Tricasses's daughter Suzel, who has been pledged to the Dr Ox for a wedding three years hence.

A waltz leads to the arrival of Prascovia, a princess and Schahoura, dressed as gypsies, who want permits to stay in Quiquendone for the festival.

As they all leave to go to the mayor's office, Docteur Ox and his assistant Ygène enter to collect the regulator key, which will allow them to start production at the factory in Quiquendone.

Prascovia tells the fake gypsies that Ox can be recognised by his disguise, but the real important person comes in and is immediately kidnapped by the plotters.