The Gondoliers (Islip)

Set in Venice and the mythical kingdom of Barataria, The Gondoliers tells the story of two gondolier brothers, Giuseppe and Marco Palmieri. While celebrating their recent nuptials, Grand Inquisitor of Spain Don Alhambra del Bolero informs them that one of them is the son of the King of Barataria — but no one can say for sure which one it is. So they leave their brides behind and jointly assume the throne until the matter 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 was betrothed to Casilda, the lovely daugher of the Duke and Duchess of Plaza Toro, and is thus a bigamist! When their wives arrive unexpectedly, confusion and comedy reign until all 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.