Synopsis

Dr. Coppelius, creator of mechanical toys, has constructed Coppelia, a wonderful life-sized doll, so true to nature that when the aged toy maker displays it in a window, Franz, a handsome youth, is infatuated with it, unmindful of the fact that Swanilda, the reigning beauty of the village, is in love with him.  Swanilda, accompanied by her mischievous girl friends, enter Dr. Coppelius’ workshop.  Upon the inventor’s sudden return she takes Coppelia’s place.  Franz, on a secret visit to Coppelia, is seized by the toymaker, who then decides to test his pet theory: to give life to his dolls. The doctor drugs Franz and proceeds with his experiment.  Swanilda prankishly leads the old doctor into believing he is successful by obligingly coming to life as Coppelia.  But when Franz regains consciousness and sheepishly realizes he made a fool of himself over a doll, Swanilda runs off with hima, and the chagrined toymaker discovers the hoax.  The ballet ends with the marriage of Swanilda and Franz.