Lortzing's popular Spieloper features many of his signature themes, including craftsmanship, love and comical mix-ups, as well as a humorous yet critical view of the bourgeoisie and the nobility.

For the sake of love, the Count of Liebenau got himself hired as a journeyman by – the name gives it away – the armourer Hans. Liebenau uses both of his identities to woo the armourer's daughter Marie, hoping that she will fall in love with him as a journeyman and choose him not only because of his noble status. The journeyman seems to be gaining the upper hand in the battle for Marie's heart – or could she be entertaining the prospect of the comforts associated with being a countess?! But we know: the lover and rival are one and the same person! Father Waffenschmied, the armourer, serves to perfect the confusion, and a noble rival further complicates the situation. A tried and tested cabal of love and disguise makes for a scintillating opera. Get ready for trickery, love and whimsical Lortzing!