Act 1
Calandrino is a simple-minded peasant who is constantly being tricked by his friends and neighbors. One day, Calandrino is told that there is a magical herb that can make him invisible. He sets off to find the herb, but is instead duped by a group of con artists who sell him a fake herb.
Calandrino returns home and tries to use the fake herb to make himself invisible. He dresses up in a ridiculous outfit and sneaks into his neighbor's house. However, the neighbor's wife sees Calandrino and starts to scream. Calandrino is chased out of the house and everyone in the village laughs at him.
Act 2
Calandrino is determined to get revenge on the con artists who tricked him. He sets up a trap for them and they are caught red-handed. Calandrino is hailed as a hero and he wins back the respect of the villagers.
The opera ends with Calandrino marrying the neighbor's daughter and living happily ever after.
The Return of Calandrino is a light-hearted and humorous opera that is full of mistaken identities and slapstick comedy. The opera's music is lively and tuneful, and the characters are well-developed and endearing. The Return of Calandrino is a classic example of Italian comic opera and it continues to be performed around the world.