The bold explorers who have reached the remote Opera House, fought their way past the misanthropic door-keeper, and gained their seats, are first reduced to a state of mental chaos by the performance of a maddening overture, and are then fitted to appreciate the play, which proceeds after the following pattern:
Act 1. Curtain rises upon a score of Unintelligible Demons, who sing this impressive chorus:
"Oh! um um um um
For um um um um
And um um um um
To um um um um."
Exeunt Demons. Enter RUDOLPH THE TEMPTER. He remarks to the surrounding scenery—"ULLERIC'S soul must be mine, or else the dark abodes of torment await me. I will tempt him. Great Master, appear."
The Great Master—a major-general of fiends—appears, and, approving of RUDOLPH'S virtuous resolve, they descend to—well, they descend below the Erie Building, to drink to his success. Scene changes to ULRIC'S home. Enter ULRIC and family, including Aged Mother, Virtuous Heroine, Hated Rival, and Demoniac Servant.
ULRIC. "Motherr, this slife is intollerrabble; I will do any thing to escape frrrom it."
Enter RUDOLPH and Unintelligible Demons (disguised.) They sing as before.
"Oh! um um um um," etc.
ULRIC. "The song says terruly. I will go with you, though you were the fiend himself."
Consternation on the part of every one. Demoniac Servant remarks, "Ha! ha!" ULRIC and the Demons sink through the floor. Scene changes to the Studio of Eblis.