Act I

Friendly, kind, cheerful inhabitants – vegetables and fruit live in a fabulous town. Their businesses and dreams are the same as human. Every morning begins in a common way: master Grapelet mends shoes, godfather Pumpkin looks for the bricks to build his house, professor Pear plays the violin, the Radishes and the Onions walk round the square, and all inhabitants enjoy a beautiful day and dance.

But today the visit of Signor Tomato has destroyed the whole day. He has announced that soon Prince Lemon is coming. Tomato is reading a new decree: everyone should pay for the sunshine, the rain and the wind.

The citizens protest against such an injustice, and Cipollino, in the turmoil, steps on foot of the prince. The guards are furious – Prince has been insulted. But Cipollino runs away and the guards arrest his father. All citizens of the town are in despair.