Victorian Lyric Opera Company
A Rockville-based opera company specializing in the works of Gilbert & Sullivan and other light opera
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Categories: 2007 Season | Ruddigore

Ruddigore

February 16-25, 2007

SYNOPSIS

Act I. The Cornish fishing village of Rederring is a popular tourist attraction; it is home to Ruddigore Castle, the Ruddigore Wax Museum and a bustling wedding industry. There hasn't been a wedding in ages, so Rederring's professional bridesmaid squad encourages Dame Hannah, head of the Historical Society, to marry. Hannah's niece Rose Maybud would gladly marry Robin Oakapple, but is prevented by her strict sense of etiquette and his shyness. Robin's true identity is Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, Baronet of Ruddigore. The Ruddigore line is cursed--each heir must commit a crime each day or die hideously. To escape the curse, Robin is living incognito with his faithful servant Old Adam. Robin's foster-brother Richard Dauntless woos Rose on Robin's behalf, but is so taken with Rose that he proposes to her himself. Befuddled, Rose accepts, then quickly changes her mind and accepts Robin. Richard seeks out Sir Despard, Robin's brother, who has been living out the family curse since Robin's "death." They expose Robin's true identity. Freed from the curse, Despard marries "Mad Margaret," a village maiden mad with love for him. Rose agrees to marry Dick Dauntless, and Robin mourns his fate.

Act II. Robin is now the villainous Sir Ruthven, and Old Adam has become "Gideon Crawle", evil henchman. At midnight, the Ruddigore Wax Museum comes to life. Ruthven's ancestors confront Ruthven for his failure to commit his daily crime. They demand he carry off a lady right away or die hideously. Old Adam abducts Dame Hannah, who melodramatically prepares to defend her honor. Ruthven's uncle, Sir Roderic awakens and immediately recognizes Hannah as his former bride. Ruthven find a loophole that allows him—and all Murgatroyds—to escape the family curse and live a happy, blameless life.

See photos from the production here.

Cast

Staff

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"The Victorian Lyric Opera Company over the years has brought wonderfully energetic and entertaining productions of Gilbert and Sullivan to the area."
-The Washington Post



"Regional theatre is not supposed to be crisp, polished, and professional, but that is exactly what VLOC delivers."
-Montgomery Gazette



"The Victorian Lyric Opera Company mounts solid productions of the Savoy operas of Gilbert and Sullivan with great attention to recreating the original approaches...they succeed in bringing these marvelous pieces to vibrant, enjoyable life."
-Potomac Stages



"VLOC has many talented singers/actors, perfectly tailored to the G&S mode."
-Montgomery Gazette



"...avoids the traps of over-familiarity by presenting a high-quality cast, well-rehearsed orchestra, and beautifully appointed set."
-Montgomery Gazette

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