Ruddygore

Season: Spring 1999

Dramatis Personae:

Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd (disguised as Robin Oakapple, a young farmer):

J. Patrick Adams

Richard Dauntless (his foster-brother, a Man-o'war's-man):

Joel Hume

Sir Despard Murgatroyd (a Wicked Baronet of Ruddygore):

David Brown

Old Adam Goodheart (Robin's Faithful Servant):

Ted Benedict

Rose Maybud (a Village Maiden):

Susanna Adams

Mad Margaret:

Kimberly McConnell

Dame Hannah (Rose's Aunt):

Tracy Paradis

Zorah (a Professional Bridesmaid):

Beth Holliday

Ruth (a Village Spinster):

Laurel Schneiderman

and

Sir Roderic Murgatroyd (the Twenty-first Baronet):

Hugh Brodsky

AND

Chorus of Professional Bridesmaids and Women:

Josette M. Battisti, Alison Champion, Lilah Crews-Pless, Julia Ferreira, Judit Fülöp-Blackburn, Anna Jablonski, Jordu Kelly, Wendi Minier, Kathy Moore, and Jean Gordon Ryon

Chorus of Bucks and Blades:

Terry Badger, Terry Benedict, Tracy Burdick, Peter Scott Dunbar, Stephen M. Gullo, Bill Hammond, David Holliday, Jad Jordan, Sam Nelson, David Odgers, and David Schafer

Production Staff:

Artistic Director:

Brian Smith

Accompanist:

Robert Blake

Chorus Master:

Joel Hume

Wardrobe Coordinator:

Maryanne Lettis

Set Coordinators:

Tracy Burdick, David Schafer

Chief Scenic Artist:

Kathy Moore

Stage Manager:

Amanda Lobaugh

Lighting Designer:

Michele Denber

Lighting Assistant:

Elizabeth Blake

House Manager:

Patricia A. Montrois

Publicity Coordinator:

Paula Gullo

Program:

Jad Jordan

Director's 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.

Photos by James Blake and Katherine M. O'Donnell

     

     

   

 

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Last updated: 12/06/07