An Oakapple by Any Other Name…

Ruddigore – The Savoyaires

 

Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic two-act operetta is among the fourteen presentations they wrote that charmed and entertained Victorian London, and beyond. First presented in 1887 at the Savoy Theatre by the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, the public was very disappointed in this musical production because, they said, it paled as a follow-up to the composers’ last show, “The Mikado.” The operetta later opened in New York City that same year. Eventually many changes and cuts were made in both the script and music for the post WWI revival. While the operetta is often given excellent productions by companies who specialize in performing the entire Gilbert & Sullivan canon, most audiences still prefer to see and hear “The Pirates of Penzance,” “HMS Pinafore” and “The Mikado.”

In this operetta, W.S. Gilbert’s libretto parodied the stock characters and plot elements of melodrama, which was one of the most popular theatrical forms of the day. He creates a poor, but virtuous maiden, who dreams of a typical happily-ever-after ending. There’s a dastardly villain, who carries her off; a handsome hero, who’s hiding out, in disguise; and a roguish sailor who says he’s just following his heart. We also have the old, faithful servant who longs for the way things once were; the mad, wild woman roaming the countryside; there’s a gang of ghosts who come to life, stepping out of their painted portraits; and the entire conflict of the play stems from a witch’s curse delivered many years ago. But, in true form, Gilbert turns everything on its ear when he makes the hero become evil, the villain turn good, the maiden having a change of heart and the ghosts helping the hero outwit the curse. In other words, everything eventually ends on a positive note, and the maiden achieves her happily-ever-after ending.

Kingsley Day, a master at playing most all of the character roles from Gilbert & Sullivan’s operettas, as well as many other memorable parts, has taken the helm as director. He’s brought his years of onstage experience to this production, guiding his talented cast of singing actors to mine every ounce of comedy and melodrama. Timothy Semanik returns for his 11th season with this company as musical director. Mr. Semanik not only helps each singer handle all the challenging ballads and patter songs, but he ably conducts the production’s large, proficient orchestra. And infusing the show with lively dance, Lauren Griffith demonstrates why she’s one of Chicagoland’s most sought after choreographers.

Handsome newcomer Aaron Petrovich makes his auspicious debut in the leading role of Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, who spends Act I disguised as the shy young farmer, Robin Oakapple. The young actor fills the Chute auditorium with his melodic baritone. Sally Olson lends her beautiful soprano voice, demure behavior and captivating looks as the lovelorn village maiden, Rose Maybud. A slave to a volume of etiquette that Rose always seems to have at hand, Ms. Olson once again makes a delightful heroine in this production. 

Deservedly, one of the audience’s favorite comedians is company regular, Sahara Glasener-Boles. She’s elated past audiences playing Ruth, in “Pirates of Penzance,” and Little Buttercup, in their exciting production of “HMS Pinafore.” In this show the actress pulls out all the stops, enchanting theatergoers as Mad Margaret. Her droll, rapturous performance really needs to be seen and heard to be fully appreciated. Another of this company’s veteran comic actors is Lane Halverson. He plays Old Adam, Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd’s faithful servant and confidant. Mr. Haleverson’s wild gestures and histrionics evoke gales of laughter whenever he graces the stage. The perfect production would match Ms. Glasener-Boles with Mr. Halverson, as a charismatic comic couple who would easily captivate every audience.

Other standouts in this production, in addition to the dozen “Professional Bridesmaids,” who continually traipse on and off the stage, singing, dancing and endlessly emoting, include a host of talented actor/singers. They include Jennifer L Barrett, making her debut with this company, as Rose’s aunt, Dame Hanah; newcomer soprano Caroline Grace Pircon as a spirited Zorah, the leader of the Bridesmaid chorus; Jonathon Joseph-Larson as Dick Dauntless; Dafydd Mac An Leigh as wicked, Sir Despard Murgatroyd of Ruddigore; and Martin Lowen Poock as the ghost of the 21st Baronet, Sir Roderic Murgatroyd. 

Supporting this ambitious production, Jessie Howe creates a spacious environment with her scenic design. Linda Bugielski and Kurt Lemke make the mood both bright and bizarre with their lighting and Thomas K. Kieffer clothes this enormous cast in proper period apparel with his colorful costume designs.

Kingsley Day has taken one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s lesser-known operettas and given it his own special impish twist. It’s a thrilling, tuneful titillation that runs a little long but rewards audiences with its hilarious characters, its silly songs in true G&S style and its fairy tale-inspired story. With Halloween just around the corner, the Savoyaires offer up an alternative ghost story that will transport theatergoers to Cornwall with some comical effects.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas        

   

Presented October 5-14 by The Savoyaires at Chute Auditorium, 1400 Oakton Street, Evanston, IL.

Tickets are available at the door, by calling 847-563-0155 or by going to www.savoyaires.org/tickets.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.