Ruddigore
by Gilbert & Sullivan Austin
Feb. 24 - Feb. 25 (2018)
One of W. S. Gilbert’s three favorites, this show has the potential to become a favorite for everyone, including those to whom it is entirely new. The opera parodies elements of Victorian melodrama, which was popular in the mid-nineteenth-century. There is a shyly sweet-mannered and poor-but-virtuous heroine. There is a dastardly villain who carries off the maiden. There is a manly hero in disguise. There is a disheveled, mad girl who creates one of the most unforgettable scenes in the show. There is a deadly curse. To add a special element, there are frightful, menacing ghosts.
Gilbert turns melodrama upside-down in his comical topsy-turvy fashion: The hero becomes evil, the villain becomes good, and the virtuous maiden changes fiancés at the blink of an eye. The ghosts come to life, fulfilling the curse, but all ends happily.
Of course, these hilarious plot devices wouldn’t be G&S without the melodious music of Sullivan, always perfectly suited to the clever lyrics of Gilbert. Many melodies will linger in your memory, such as “When the night wind howls,” “There grew a little flower,” and “I know a youth.”
"Ruddigore” was the 10th collaboration between Gilbert and Sullivan. This “supernatural opera” opened on January 21, 1887, at the Savoy Theatre and ran for 288 performances.
Auditions for Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Ruddigore”
Gilbert and Sullivan Austin announces auditions for its June 14-24, 2018 Grand Summer Production of “Ruddigore” by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan (9 Performances). GSA Artistic Director Ralph MacPhail, Jr. returns for his 17th season. Jeffrey Jones-Ragona, returning for his 21st season as Music Director, will conduct the Gillman Light Opera Orchestra. Bill Hatcher returns as Production Manager.
Click to view audition notes by artistic director Ralph MacPhail, Jr.
Saturday, February 24 - 10 am - 6 pm & Sunday, February 25 - 1:30 pm - 6 pm
ALL AUDITIONS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Auditions held at Abiding Love Lutheran Church - 7210 Brush Country Road, 78749 - Map
Those auditioning should memorize a song from Gilbert & Sullivan or something similar (aria or art song, English preferred) that will show off voice and range to best advantage. It is mandatory to provide a copy of the music for the accompanist. Please note that no unaccompanied (a cappella) or self-accompanied auditions will be heard. Although an accompanist will be provided, singers are welcome to bring their own if they wish.
All roles are open for casting, including principals and chorus. Auditions are approximately ten minutes long and are by appointment only. All performers will be compensated.
The Audition Form, Staging Conflicts Questionnaire, and Music Rehearsal Schedule must all be filled in or annotated and turned in at auditions. Those documents can be found here. A résumé and headshot are requested. Notes and tips for auditionees, a complete description of the opera (including characters and vocal range) and other important information are available here. Those auditioning for a specific role will be asked to do a reading. Those readings can be found here. All documents are also available for viewing or downloading at the Gilbert & Sullivan Austin website.
Contact us if you have any audition questions.
Call Sarah Slaughter at 806-557-0306 (7 am - 8 pm) or email her at audition@gilbertsullivan.org to reserve a time slot.
See forms and other complete audition information at http://gilbertsullivan.org/SummerProduction.htm
