Glenn Close stars in this story of a young Hungarian conductor's big break, a production of Wagner's masterpiece Tännhauser at the Opera Europa in Paris. But the diva is particularly difficult; the dancers go on strike; management is feuding; the sets are hideous; and the theater is picketed by environmentalists. And then the conductor falls in love. Now will Tännhauser be a success, or will the aspiring conducter return to Hungary in shame?