From The Enigma 

NPL Magazine

September, 2020

R/EDS 

The answer word (ALL) to his clever flat is a valid, but very uncommon eight-letter word. It is also a false  compound. That is, it is made up of two smaller words that are unrelated to the whole word (such as COTTON - COT and TON are not related to COTTON). In this flat, the eight-letter word is made up of two four-letter component words (FIRST WORD and SECOND WORD).

 

A scandal at the opera house: the press

   has dubbed it ALL.

Prime suspect is the FIRST WORD,

   and perhaps she'll take the fall.

The SECOND WORD is down a lot as

   patrons stay away.

We must reveal this quickly. That will

   help us save the day.

 

We've plans for La boheme, La

   traviata, many more.

Yes, Figaro .....oh, but I ALL. I don't

   intend to bore.

Answer:

 

ALL - DIVAGATE*

FIRST WORD - DIVA*

SECOND WORD - GATE*

*Divagate means to stray or digress - pronounced with a long (i).

  Diva - pronounced with long (e) sound - is a renowned female singer.

 "Gate" following another word implies some kind of scandal - based on the Watergate Hotel scandal during Nixon's presidency - and also means the money taken in at ticket sales.