Welcome, gentry! Baronets and bridesmaids have been announced for the cast of the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players' production of Ruddigore, which has performances November 23 and 24 at the John Jay College's Gerald W. Lynch Theater.
Ruddigore is set in a seaside village in early 19th-century England, where a corps of professional bridesmaids are hurting for business, as all the eligible bachelors in town want to marry Rose Maybud. Rose is in love with the farmer Robin Oakapple, who is too shy to ask for her hand, so all are at a standstill.
David Macaluso and Sarah Caldwell Smith will lead the cast as Robin and Rose, with Daniel Greenwood as Richard Dauntless, Robin's foster brother and rival for Rose's hand. Completing the principal cast will be Matthew Wages as Sir Despard Murgatroyd, Hannah Holmes as Mad Margaret, Angela Christine Smith as Dame Hannah, David Wannen as Sir Roderic Murgatroyd, Patrick Lord Remmert as Old Adam, Laura Sudduth as Zorah, and Katie Hall as Ruth.
The chorus will include Caitlin Borek, Sam Balzac, Michael Connolly, Victoria Devany, Hannah Eakin, Jonathan Heller, Maurio Hines, Alexandra Imbrosci-Viera, James Mills, Monique Pelletier, Darrick Penny, Kendrick Pifer, Michelle Seipel, James Conrad Smith, Tyler Tejada, and Adam Hirama Wells.
NYGASP founder and artistic director Albert Bergeret is directing the Edward Gorey-inspired production, which features choreography by David Auxier, lighting by Benjamin Weill, costumes by Gail J. Wofford, and scenic design by Albère. Bergeret will conduct the 25-piece NYGASP orchestra.
Originally considered something of a disappointment, Ruddigore was never revived within the authors' lifetimes. However, Sir Roderic's claim that "in a couple of centuries I shall be an Old Master," proved prophetic. The opera gained in popularity during the 20th century, and has since become an established part of the core Gilbert and Sullivan repertory. It is perhaps best known to Broadway audiences for the second-act patter trio "My Eyes Are Fully Open," which has found its way out of its original opera, and into Broadway productions of The Pirates of Penzance and even Thoroughly Modern Millie, which featured the song, outfitted with new lyrics as "The Speed Test."
Performances of Ruddigore are November 23 at 2 PM and 7:30 PM, and November 24 at 3 PM. Tickets start at $30.
For more information visit NYGASP.org.
