It has been noted that the character and scale of the overture are similar to those of the overture to Le nozze di Figaro, which was written at the same time and premiered later the same year.

The opera concerns the woes of an impresario, Frank, who must put together a company of actors and singers while dealing with their whims, rivalries and pretensions. The company faces economic difficulties which are ultimately solved thanks to the intervention of Eiler, a banker who is persuaded to intervene by Frank pretending to engage his lover, Madam Pfeil.

The musical passages of the opera occur when Frank begins the auditions of the singers. In the end, the singers and actors determine that art can thrive only through the peaceable cooperation of all their strengths.