Give the musical “Ruddigore” a visit

  • Theresa Goffredo
  • Tuesday, March 15, 2011 12:27pm
  • Life

You may not be familiar with this lesser-known Gilbert and Sullivan show, but “Ruddigore” is rowdy, racy — without being offensive — and musically first-rate.

This Northwest Savoyards production is definitely worth a visit.

Not many shows hold the promise of watching a team of professional bridesmaides in fishnet stockings, wacky paintings that come alive, actors mixing it up with the audience and a dude coming out of nowhere playing a huge red organ on stage.

I agree with director Danielle Villegas who said “Ruddigore” marked Gilbert and Sullivan as the Coen Brothers (“Fargo” and “O Brother Where Art Thou”) of their time.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

By the way, Villegas deserves high praise for her novel adaptation of this 130-year-old operatta, combining the techno-sexy with vaudeville with a Gilbert and Sullivan score.

Speaking of score, I haven’t yet mentioned that the singing is really quite stunning. The real standouts in this cast include Meagan Castillo as Rose Maybud, Lance Zielinski as Richard “Dick” Dauntless, Gina Wilhelm as Mad Margaret, Gene Ma as Sir Roderic Murgatroyd, Dave Holden as Despard Murgatroyd and Rob Martin as Sir Ruthven .

Nick Fuchs does a damned good cross-over role as Dame Hannah.

I’m not going to blow the farcical storyline which has ever changing and re-arranging coupling and a persistent curse, except to say that you’ll like Act I and like Act II even more .

“Ruddigore” performs at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday through March 20 at Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave, Everett. Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for kids, seniors and military. Call 425-258-6766 or go to Historic Everett Theatre .

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

The Mukilteo Boulevard Homer on Monday, May 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Homer Hedge’: A Simpsons meme takes root in Everett — D’oh!

Homer has been lurking in the bushes on West Mukilteo Boulevard since 2023. Stop by for a selfie.

Ellis Johnson, 16, left, and brother Garrett Johnson, 13, take a breather after trying to find enough water to skim board on without sinking into the sand during opening day of Jetty Island on Friday, July 5, 2019 in Everett, Wash. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Epic ways to spice up your summer

Your ultimate guide to adventure, fun and reader-approved favorites!

Former Herald writer Melissa Slager’s new book was 14-year project

The 520-page historical novel “Contests of Strength” covers the 1700 earthquake and tsunami on Makah lands.

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

The 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali full-size pickup truck (Provided by GMC).
2025 GMC Sierra EV pickup is building a lineup

Denali Extended Range and Denali Max Range are just the beginning.

Sarah and Cole Rinehardt, owners of In The Shadow Brewing, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In The Shadow Brewing: From backyard brews to downtown cheers

Everything seems to have fallen into place at the new taproom location in downtown Arlington

Striking Nightshade Edition Creates Luxury Vibe For Less
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade Edition Adds Wow Factor

Seven-Passenger SUV Checks All Boxes And Adds Some

Swedish-made XC90 Designed For All Seasons
2025 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Ultra – The Best Gets Better

Swedish Luxury Hybrid SUV Includes All-Electric Miles

Steven M. Falk / The Philadelphia Inquirer / Tribune News Service
James Taylor plays Sunday and Monday at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville.
A&E Calendar

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV, shown here in the European version (Provided by Mercedes-Benz).
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV has a 54-mile range

The plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV goes a class-leading distance in full electric mode.

RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Provides 39 MPG And 566-Mile Range

Versatile And Functional Compact SUV A Family Pleaser

Auston James / Village Theatre
“Jersey Boys” plays at Village Theatre in Everett through May 25.
A&E Calendar for May 15

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.