Ruddigore

America’s foremost Gilbert & Sullivan repertory ensemble, the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, presents a special staged concert version of Ruddigore.

Set in a simple Cornish fishing village, Ruddigore tells the story of a Baronet of Ruddigore, who conceals himself as the farmer Robin Oakapple, in order to escape the family curse compelling him to commit at least one deadly crime every day or perish in agony. The village possesses an endowed corps of professional bridesmaids, who are languishing in idleness, there having been no weddings for at least six months. Robin’s younger brother Despard, believing him to be dead, has inherited the title and its attendant curse. Robin falls in love with the village beauty and very proper Rose Maybud, but is too shy to approach her so he enlists the aid of his aptly named and trusted foster brother sailor Richard Dauntless. Richard promptly tries to steal the maiden for himself and reveals Robin’s identity to Despard, who is more than happy to return the family title (and curse) to its rightful owner!