Set in 19th-century Vienna, the story revolves around a wealthy man, Gabriel von Eisenstein, who is sentenced to jail but instead attends a grand ball hosted by Prince Orlofsky. Eisenstein’s wife, Rosalinde, and their maid, Adele, also attend in disguise. The evening is filled with mistaken identities, flirtations, and humorous deceptions, all orchestrated by Dr. Falke as part of an elaborate prank to avenge an earlier joke Eisenstein played on him. The opera concludes with the revelation of the ruse and a joyous reconciliation.