Spring 1999: Ruddigore
Notes
The "Melodrama" conjures up many images, from swooning underfed damsels to mustache twirling villains. I came to this type of theatre more influenced by Dudley Do-Right than historical performance practice. I think what Gilbert did in "sending up" the sentimental melodrama of his day was the same thing Jay Ward did with Dudley Do-Right. Both took standard characters, situations and plots, added verbal humor, and turned the whole business upside down.
I hope to provide an entertainment similar to the Gay 90's music hall. I wasn't there, but my idea was to provide an interactive production with lots of hissing and booing and of course laughs. Here's hoping that you all find this "90's" entertainment enjoyable.
As I started writing these notes, news of the passing of my teacher and mentor in theatre reached me. Her name was Alice Austin and she convinced me to attend SUNY Geneseo, study theatre, and keep working at it because "it will never be finished". Twenty years after my classes with Miss Austin, I am still "working at it". I would like to dedicate my efforts to her memory.
Director: Brian Smith
Music Director: Robert Blake
Assistant Music Director: Joel Hume
Cast
- Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd (Robin Oakapple)
- Patrick Adams
- Richard Dauntless
- Joel Hume
- Sir Despard Murgatroyd of Ruddigore
- David Brown
- Old Adam Goodheart
- Ted Benedict
- Rose Maybud (A Village Maiden)
- Susanna Adams
- Mad Margaret
- Kimberly McConnell
- Dame Hannah
- Tracy Paradis
- Zorah (Professional Bridesmaid)
- Beth Holliday
- Ruth (Professional Bridesmaid)
- Laurel Schneiderman
- Sir Roderic Murgatroyd
- Hugh Brodsky
Chorus
Terry Badger, Josette Battisti, Terry Benedict, Tracy Burdick, Alison Champion, Lilah Crews-Pless, Peter Dunbar, Julia Ferreira, Judit Fulop-Blackburn, Stephen Gullo, Bill Hammond, David Holliday, Anna Jablonski, Jad Jordan, Jordu Kelly-Sutliff, Wendi Minier, Kathy Moore, Sam Nelson, David Odgers, Jean Gordon Ryon, David Schafer
Crew
- House Manager
- Patti Anne Montrois
- Stage Manager
- Amanda Lobaugh
- Set Designer
- Kathy Moore
- Set Construction
- Tracy Burdick, David Schafer
- Costume Manager
- Maryanne Lettis
- Lighting Designer
- Michele Denber
- Lighting Operator
- Elizabeth Blake
- Program Design
- Jad Jordan