About This Show
Set in Venice and the mythical kingdom of Barataria, The Gondoliers tells the story of two brothers, Giuseppe and Marco Palmieri (both gondoliers – hence the opera’s title). While celebrating their recent nuptials, they are informed by the Grand Inquisitor of Spain, Don Alhambra del Bolero, that one of them is the son of the King of Barataria, stolen in infancy, and the rightful heir to the throne. The only trouble is, no one can say for sure which one it is! Only the young King’s foster mother knows which is the real king, but she must be found to resolve the dilemma, a process that may take some time. However, a king is needed immediately in Barataria, to stem an insurrection, and the two are convinced to leave their new brides behind as they (and their entourage of gondoliers) journey to the kingdom so that the brothers may jointly assume the throne and the duties of kingship, while the identity of the true and only king is settled.
In Barataria, the brothers, being staunch Republicans, do their best to create a “monarchy that’s tempered with Republican equality,” with humorous results. They also learn that the true King (whichever one he may be) was betrothed to Casilda, the lovely daugher of the Duke and Duchess of Plaza Toro, and is thus a bigamist! When their wives (and those of their fellows) arrive unexpectedly (having gotten tired of waiting to see which of them is to be the Queen), confusion and comedy reign until all – as can be expected – is resolved in true Gilbertian fashion. Full of such sprightly songs as the Duke’s paean to his own cowardice, “In Enterprise of Martial Kind,” the rollicking “Dance a Cachuca,” the lovely “Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes” and the hilarious “Rising Early in the Morning,” the music sparkles with charm, wit and foot-tapping melodies.
Box Office Hours: Opens 1 hour prior to curtain
Group Sales Number (10+): 516-670-5789
Appropriate for all ages.