ACT ONE

    The first scene takes place in front of a great, gargoyle encrusted cathedral. As service lets out, art patron Goyart VanMeer introduces his daughter Anna to Hieronymus and she is instantly attracted. Erasmus, a jealous admirer of Anna, tries to dissuade her from a planned visit to Hieronymus' Studio.

     Hieronymus reflects on Anna's first visit to his studio, and Anna returns for painting lessons.

     Erasmus attempts to have Hieronymus arrested by Church authorities for promoting heresy (a serious matter in these times) through his dark and demonic paintings. Then he goes about town spreading rumors. Though the Brotherhood dismisses Erasmus, they decide to send Hieronymus an urgent letter asking him to explain the cryptic symbols in the painting they have commissioned before making further payments.

     Anna has taken her painting lessons to heart. After completing her first painting she rushes to Hieronymus's house to show him, but along the way she gets swept up in a terrible blizzard unknowingly caused by Hieronymus, during a furious session of painting. Whenever Hieronymus says "I feel an inspiration coming on," watch out!

     Hieronymus’ apprentices jest that Hieronymus is headed for trouble with Anna, because of his continued deception about the creatures. When Anna arrives unannounced, assorted creatures are milling about the studio. She thinks that perhaps Erasmus was right after all. She is angry and confused and she wishes to leave immediately, but the depth of the snow prevents this. The creatures quickly win her heart.

     Later that evening Anna and Hieronymus profess their love for one another, for the first time.

     About to exchange their first kiss, the couple is interrupted by creatures and Anna rushes off to bed. In the morning, though still apprehensive, Anna determines  to make the best of her situation. Emboldened, Hieronymus invites her to attend a party for all his creatures.

     At the party, Anna is hurt because Hieronymus treats her more as a serving girl than his true love. She is also concerned about raising a future family in this bizarre environment. She finally speaks her mind and threatens to leave him. She asks him to paint ordinary things for a while – no more creatures!

 ACT TWO

     Anna arrives with an unattractive and funny pair of models for Hieronymus to paint. He tries, but gives up, saying that he must be true to himself. Anna says it is over then, and she leaves him.

     Sophie thinks it is their fault that Anna left. Otto blames Gregor, but Hieronymus admits to Sophie and to himself, that it is entirely his fault. He is too stubborn, too self-absorbed. He chased Anna away.

     Erasmus had peeked in the windows during the creature party and he goes again to the Brotherhood to tell what he saw. They suggest he was drunk and dismiss him, once again. He vows to return with proof.

     Anna and Hieronymus each mourn their breakup. Hieronymus discovers the unopened letter from the Brotherhood. Having missed the date to save his commission, and after losing his true love Anna, he becomes despondent, stating that he has lost everything. Gregor protests, "You still have us, Master!" "Yes!", agree the others. At this he becomes absolutely furious, reminding them that they are not real, that he has imagined every one of them! They go away very hurt. He abandons his imagination, because of all the trouble it has caused. 

     Awakened from his doldrums, Hieronymus, and Anna, in a frightening scene, bring to life all the creatures of his paintings, and every object in the house, to help with the rescue.

     After a difficult struggle with Erasmus, Sophie is rescued.

     There is a grand wedding. Hieronymus and Anna reflect on their courtship, marriage, and the creatures. Erasmus has been turned into a gargoyle, and even the Grimm boys get what they deserve.