Valley Light Opera

For more than a quarter century, Valley Light Opera has been bringing exceptional community theatre to the Pioneer Valley. Presenting Gilbert & Sullivan (and a few other operettas) in the best possible productions has been our goal. Join us for out 30th season!

Ruddigore 2004 Logo

Ruddigore
or The Witch's Curse

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.

Performances

Performances will take place in the auditorium of the Amherst Regional High School on Triangle Street

Friday, November 5, 2004 -- 8 PM ** opening night / school night
Saturday, November 6, 2004 -- 8 PM
Sunday, November 7, 2004 -- 2 PM ** matinee
Friday, November 12, 2004 -- 8 PM
Saturday, November 13, 2004 -- 8 PM.

All seats are reserved (except for a student general admission block on opening night). Here's how to order tickets.

Production staff

DirectorJoe Donohue Stage ManagerAllison Clayton
Music directorJuli Holmes Costume DesignerRichard Gregory
ChoreographerGraham Christian CostumersElaine Walker
Set DesignerKen Samonds Phyllis Jordan
Lighting DesignerSteve Morgan Diane Kelton
Coordinating Producer  Jacqueline Haney Kidwell   Technical DirectorsJohn Foster
ProducersJamieson M. Cobleigh Bob Graham
Elaine Walker Technical Consultant  Lew Jordan
James Walker

Cast

Sir Ruthven MurgatroydNicholas Dahlman
Richard DauntlessJonathan Evans
Sir Despard Murgatroyd  Matthew Roehrig
Rose MaybudElaine Crane
Dame HannahLisa Woods
Mad MargaretEmily Spura
Sir Roderic MurgatroydAlan Harris
Old Adam GoodheartGreg Young
ZorahLindsey Larkin
RuthAnju Soparkar Diggs
ChildrenSchuyler Evans & Kimaya Diggs
with the Valley Light Opera Chorus and Orchestra

 

Ticket information

Here's how to order tickets for VLO's production of Ruddigore.

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You may wish to return to the VLO Home Page.

Send Questions/Comments to: gordon@oit.umass.edu
Sept. 29, 2004.