Ghosts and Giggles: Ruddigore at LOTS Revives Victorian Villainy with a Wink
September 10, 2024
Authors’ Note: This is a post-dated review as I was unable to attend until the final weekend due to a bout of COVID and subsequent recovery. I will post the troupe’s upcoming shows at the bottom so patrons can mark their calendars for what’s next!
Martin Lehman as Sir Despard Murgatroyd and Robert Vann as Richard Dauntless.
Did you know that Sacramento has its very own Light Opera company? If you haven’t discovered it yet, Light Opera of Sacramento is a lively and cherished part of our local arts scene, offering a delightful blend of music, comedy, and theatrical charm.
For those unfamiliar, Light Opera is a unique form of musical theater that highlights humor, catchy melodies, and clever lyrics. Imagine a mix between opera and musical comedy—there’s plenty of singing, but it’s lighter, more playful, and accessible. The stories are often whimsical, filled with colorful characters and witty dialogue, making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience for audiences of all ages. Their latest production of Ruddigore, by Gilbert and Sullivan, is the perfect introduction to this charming and often overlooked genre.
Light Opera Theatre of Sacramento (LOTS) has been delighting audiences since 1982. Founders Mike and Debbie Baad, alongside Dolores Allen, set out to bring the wit and charm of Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas to life. Originally known as the St. Mary’s Players, they debuted with a well-received production of H.M.S. Pinafore. By 1986, the group rebranded as LOTS, transitioning from church performances to larger venues like the Coloma Community Center, and eventually their current home at the 24th Street Theater. In 2023, the newly appointed Artistic Director, Robert Vann, took the helm after years of service to the company. Under his leadership, LOTS is expanding its reach and reenergizing its mission, entering an exciting new era for the Sacramento arts scene.
Karlie Saenz as Mad Margaret and Linnea Tamaki as Rose Maybud.
In Ruddigore, the plot follows Robin Oakapple, a man cursed by his lineage to commit daily acts of evil or face punishment from his ghostly ancestors. It’s a classic Gilbert and Sullivan story full of ridiculous twists, over-the-top characters, and laugh-out-loud moments. Charlie Baad plays Robin with just the right mix of awkward comic flair and gravitas to command the stage.
If you’re new to Light Opera, this production is a great introduction. The humor is accessible, and the musical numbers—under the skilled direction of founding Artistic Director Debbie Baad—are lively and memorable. You don’t need to be an opera buff to enjoy it; in fact, Ruddigore is the kind of show that invites newcomers with open arms, mixing clever patter songs with sweeping duets that are easy to follow and impossible not to enjoy.
One of the standout performers is Karlie Saenz as Mad Margaret, a character who’s both madcap and endearing. Her portrayal adds a layer of depth to the character, making her more than just a parody of the “madwoman in the attic” trope (although we do love that trope!). She brings manic energy to the stage but also reveals a softer, more thoughtful side, making Margaret one of the show’s most memorable characters. Alongside Margaret, another particularly memorable character is Sir Despard Murgatroyd, portrayed with subtle flamboyance by Martin Lehman. Sir Despard, who has his own comical struggles with the family curse and a series of ridiculous predicaments, adds a layer of extra humor to the show. His interactions with other characters are a highlight, offering a perfect blend of witty repartee and physical comedy that showcases the best of Gilbert and Sullivan’s writing.
Tom McElheney as Sir Mervyn, Ethan Saveland as Sir Conrad, Finn Lofas as Sir Desmond, Troy Turpen as Sir Lionel, Catie Byrd as Joan of Arc, Mark Tavianini as Sir Gilbert, and Tim Power as Sir Roderic.
Visually, the show is impressive. With a dedicated design team, the production created a gothic set design, with its dramatic lighting and detailed backdrops, enhancing the spooky (but never too serious) tone of the story. This is particularly well-executed in Act 2, when the setting transforms to a portrait gallery (by the dynamic team of scenic designer Ryan Gordon-Morgan and digital artist Bernadette Durbin) of Robin’s ancestors that literally come to life.
The costumes, designed and created by Theresa Vann-Stribling (and a long list of stitchers), are full of vibrant contrasts between dark villains and bright villagers. They add to the show’s visual appeal and help bring the melodramatic world of Ruddigore to life. Through the costumes alone, LOTS shows that no stone was left unturned in this production, creating a world as detailed and refined as the voices of the primary characters.
Lastly, a huge standing ovation for the 23-piece live orchestra, led by Glenn Disney. It was truly a delight to witness such a vital part of live theater that is increasingly absent from other community theater productions. The presentation was so memorable, elevating the overall experience and providing an auditory delight for audience members.
So, Sacramento, if you missed it this time, make sure Light Opera of Sacramento is on your radar for future productions. Ruddigore was a fun and approachable show that perfectly showcased the wit and musicality of Light Opera, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned theatre fans alike. It was a testament to Sacramento’s thriving arts scene, filled with hidden gems like Light Opera just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re an opera aficionado or simply looking for an evening of laughs and great music, this production undoubtedly left the audience entertained and proud of what our city has to offer.
Up Next at LOTS:
Amahl and the Night Visitors
December 20-22, 2024
Follow the Light Opera of Sacramento on Facebook to follow more production updates.
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