"THE GRAND DUKE" - classic musical comedy by Gilbert & Sullivan

"The Grand Duke" abounds in Gilbert's inimitable wit and topsy-turvy situations, while Sullivan's music is as bright and inventive as ever. This rare theatre classic is performed in an intimate 120-seat theatre with a live band, elaborate sets, gorgeous costumes and large cast of actors/singers.

Gilbert and Sullivan come full circle here, back to the theme of their first collaboration:  a troupe of actors taking political power. The plot hinges on the mis-interpretation of a 100 year-old law regarding “statutory duels” (decided by drawing cards). The baffled central character, Ludwig, becomes engaged to four different women before the plot is resolved. The frugality and phoniness of the wealthy classes and the nobility is lampooned — and once again, as in “Princess Ida,” “The Mikado,” “The Gondoliers” and “Utopia, Limited,” the foreign setting emboldened Gilbert to use some particularly pointed satire.