GUESTS AT THE PARTY

Though not in the opera, Pagliacci insists

On entering the party scene in Traviata

Banging his big drum. At least

He usually maintains the right beat;

Escamillo, who thinks he is the star

Of an opera called Escamillo in which

Carmen and Don Jose provide comic relief,

Stands by the buffet table in his full

Toreador rig. It’s only a question of time

Before he throws an arm around Pagliacci

And the two of them burst into song.