Ruddigore or The Witch's Curse

By William Schwenk Gilbert (libretto), music by Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan

Directed by Brian R. Bizzell, Michael Alexander, Music Director/Orchestra Conductor

Ruddigore is a parody of the stock melodrama-the villain who carries off the maiden; the priggishly good-mannered poor-but-virtuous-heroine; the hero in disguise, and his faithful old retainer who dreams of their former glory days; the snake in the grass who claims to be following his heart; the wild, mad girl; the swagger of fire-eating patriotism; ghosts coming to life to enforce a curse; and so forth. But as one critic noted, Gilbert turns the moral absolutes of melodrama upside down: Good becomes bad, bad becomes good, and heroes take the easy way out.

None of the village girls stand a chance at marriage, because all the young men of the village love Rose Maybud, but do not measure up to her strict etiquette. Robin Oakapple also loves Rose, but he is too shy to court her. This is partly because he is the accursed Baronet of Ruddigore, in disguise. His brother Despard carries out the curse: he must commit one major crime per day or die in agony. Robin's foster brother, Richard, seeking Rose for himself, tells Despard of Robin's deception, and Despard transfers the curse back to Robin. The ghosts of his ancestors step from their picture frames to confront Robin for failing to conscientiously carry out his duty. Robin agrees to execute the curse faithfully but finds a clever solution to the whole problem after all! - Gilbert & Sullivan Archive

Produced by Madison Savoyards, Ltd. at U.W. Old Music Hall, 925 Bascom Mall, Madison

Performances: July 9-18, 2004

Performance Times: Friday, July 9, 2004 - 7:30 PM
Saturday, July 10, 2004 - 7:30 PM
Sunday, July 11, 2004 - 4:00 PM
Friday, July 16, 2004 - 7:30 PM
Saturday, July 17, 2004 - 4:00 PM
Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 4:00 PM

Ticket Prices: $25 Adults, $23 Seniors, $10 Students, $5 Children (under 13)

Call 608-231-9005 for reservations or more information.

How you can help support MadStage! Radio theater page Submit show information to MadStage Information about performance venues Wisconsin playwrights and scripts page Theater humor page Win Free Tickets! Thanks to all those who've contributed to MadStage in the past year! About MadStage Theater and dance classes, workshops, teachers and schools Performance links Performance-related job and volunteer opportunities, plus internship listings Dance Groups featured on MadStage Theater groups featured on MadStage Performance Calendar Home