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Princess Ida (2006)
William S. Gilbert & Arthur S. Sullivan
June 9-18, 2006
The Story of Our Princess Ida
ACT I - King Hildebrand’s Estate King Hildebrand's household awaits the arrival of King Gama and his daughter, Princess Ida. Prince Hilarion, married to Ida in babyhood, eagerly awaits his bride. Hildebrand, his father, is also eager for this marriage, as the dowry would be welcome help for his sagging finances. Indeed, creditors stand ready to repossess his household treasures! Gama arrives, and announces that Ida has renounced mankind and started a University for women at Castle Adamant. Undaunted, Hilarion journeys to Adamant to win his bride. Hildebrand will hold Gama and sons hostage until Hilarion returns. The ladies of the household, dazzled by the idea of a women’s university, abscond for Adamant.
ACT II - Castle Adamant University, some days later. Matriculation of new students and Fresher Orientation At Castle Adamant University, new students exchange their confining Victorian wear for new gowns and school scarves. They meet Lady Psyche (Prof.of Humanities), Lady Blanche (Prof of Abstract Science), and finally Princess Ida herself. Hilarion, Cyril and Florian infiltrate the University. They don the ladies’ castoff dresses and disguise themselves as women. Psyche—Florian’s sister—discovers them. Intrigued by the boys, especially Cyril, Psyche agrees to keep their secret. So does Lady Blanche’s daughter Melissa, who is fascinated with Florian. However, when confronted by her mother, a flustered Melissa spills the beans. She convinces Blanche to keep mum—if Hilarion succeeds, Blanche will be left in charge. Their plans are upset when Cyril drunkenly blurts out their secret at lunch. A panicked Ida tries to flee, but slips and falls into a stream. Hilarion rescues her, moments before Hildebrand’s soldiers storm the castle. Hildebrand delivers an ultimatum: marry Hilarion, or he will raze the castle and execute Ida’s brothers. Ida vows to die rather than give in.
ACT III - Castle Adamant University The ladies hysterically prepare for battle. Lacking Ida’s idealistic courage, they all falter in the face of war. Alone, her ideals in tatters, Ida laments the loss of her dream. She accepts Hildebrand’s offer to settle their conflict with a duel between Ida’s brothers and the captive youths. At the last moment, Ida steps in and yields to Hilarion. Florian wins Melissa, Cyril wins Psyche, and Blanche wins control of the University.
Cast List
- King Hildebrand - Michael Galizia
- Hilarion (his son) - Peter Krueger
- Cyril - Clyde Wright
- Florian - Ryan Power
- King Gama - Peter Kline
- Arac - Blair Eig
- Guron - Don Mitchell
- Scynthius - Tom Goode
- Princess Ida - Sarah Minckler
- Lady Blanche - Karen Fleming
- Lady Psyche - Daniele Lorio
- Melissa - Patricia Portillo
- Sacharissa - Deborah Jacobson
- Chloe - Cara Salvatore
- Ada - Gaye Freese
Ensemble
Jaime Atteniese, Ed Byrdy, Rick Dupuy, Fran Fleming, Wanda Flinn, Annie Gribben, Lucy Hellerman, Rand Huntzinger, Sarah Huntzinger, Ralph Johnson, Frank Kesterman, Marianna Martindale, Carlton Maryott, Jane Maryott, Sherry Mitchell, Amy Rauch
Production Staff
- Producer - Denise Young
- Stage Director -Alicia Oliver-Krueger
- Music Director - Joseph Sorge
- Choreographer - Alicia Oliver-Krueger
- Costume Designer - Andrea Schewe
- Set Designer - John Buckley
- Lighting Designer - Ayun Fedorcha
- Makeup/Hair Design - Renee Silverstone