
audiobook
Set in the modest reading room of a provincial casino, the play opens amid mismatched furniture, faded wallpapers and the distant hum of street vendors. Sunlight streams through stained‑glass windows while a sleepy servant, Menéndez, drifts between chores, providing a vivid backdrop for the town’s daily chatter. The stage feels both intimate and bustling, inviting listeners to picture a world where every corner hides a hint of mischief.
A motley crew of locals—Tito Guiloya, the cynical schemer; Manchón, the boisterous sidekick; and Torrija, the ever‑ready accomplice—bustle in, trading sharp jokes and conspiratorial whispers. Their banter escalates quickly, building toward a “most famous and diabolical” prank that promises to shake the quiet town. The humor is fast‑paced, the characters larger than life, and their plans teeter on the edge of absurdity.
Listeners can expect a lively blend of witty dialogue, slap‑stick moments, and a gentle satire of small‑town pretensions. The first act sets the stage for a cascade of comic misunderstandings, leaving the audience eager to see how the elaborate jest will unfold.
Language
es
Duration
~2 hours (129K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2017-01-12
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1866–1943
A major voice in Spanish comic theater, he helped shape popular stage comedy in the early 20th century. His plays drew on everyday Madrid life and became known for their sharp humor, lively language, and strong theatrical energy.
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