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Ruddigore This year's show is Ruddigore, a "supernatural opera" that premiered at the Savoy Theatre in London in 1887. A favorite of many G&S fans, VLO presented it in 1982 and again in 1991. None of the village girls stand a chance at marriage, because all the young men of the village of Rederring love Rose Maybud, but do not measure up to her strict standards of etiquette. Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd (in disguise as Robin Oakapple) also loves Rose, but he is too shy to court her, partly because he is the accursed Baronet of Ruddigore. His brother Despard bears the burden of the curse: he must commit a crime every day or die in agony. Robin's foster brother, Richard, seeking Rose for himself, tells Despard about 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! |
VLO's famous scenery and costumes will shine again this year. Within the framework of a Victorian toy theatre, bridesmaids will sing and ghosts will dance and a good time will be had by all. The show will be presented with a full orchestra and our wonderful chorus, along with an exceptionally strong cast of principal players.
All seats are reserved (except for a student general admission block on opening night). Here's how to order tickets.
| Director | Joe Donohue | Stage Manager | Allison Clayton |
| Music director | Juli Holmes | Costume Designer | Richard Gregory |
| Choreographer | Graham Christian | Costumers | Elaine Walker |
| Set Designer | Ken Samonds | Phyllis Jordan | |
| Lighting Designer | Steve Morgan | Diane Kelton | |
| Coordinating Producer | Jacqueline Haney Kidwell | Technical Directors | John Foster |
| Producers | Jamieson M. Cobleigh | Bob Graham | |
| Elaine Walker | Technical Consultant | Lew Jordan | |
| James Walker |
| Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd | Nicholas Dahlman |
| Richard Dauntless | Jonathan Evans |
| Sir Despard Murgatroyd | Matthew Roehrig |
| Rose Maybud | Elaine Crane |
| Dame Hannah | Lisa Woods |
| Mad Margaret | Emily Spura |
| Sir Roderic Murgatroyd | Alan Harris |
| Old Adam Goodheart | Greg Young |
| Zorah | Lindsey Larkin |
| Ruth | Anju Soparkar Diggs |
| Children | Schuyler Evans & Kimaya Diggs |
| with the Valley Light Opera Chorus and Orchestra | |
You may wish to return to the VLO Home Page.
Send Questions/Comments to: gordon@oit.umass.edu