Ruddigore, or The Witch's Curse Music by Arthur Sullivan; Book and Lyrics by William Gilbert Premiere: Savoy Theatre, London, January 22, 1887
Although audience reaction at its 1887 premiere, just days following the end of the long run of The Mikado, was lukewarm, Ruddigore has since fought its way back in the hearts of Gilbert and Sullivan lovers and is now recognized as one of their most inspired creations. Gilbert designed the plot—featuring witches, curses, ghosts, crime, and a madwoman—as a parody of old-fashioned melodramas.
Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd has abandoned his post as baronet because of a curse that obliges him, under penalty of death, to commit a crime daily. He lives a simple life disguised as a village lad, Robin Oakapple. When he falls in love with Rose Maybud, his jealous foster-brother, Richard Dauntless, reveals to Rose her lover’s true identity. Ruthven's brother, Sir Despard, who had inherited the horrid baronetcy, is now free to wed Mad Margaret, certainly the craziest character in any G&S opera. With responsibility to once again assume his old post, Ruthven tries to avoid the obligation. His angry ancestors descend from their portraits and demand that he honor his duty. Only after some fast thinking and irrefutable logic does Ruthven manage to thwart the curse and win the hand of Rose.
Musical highlights include the ghostly "When the night wind howls," sung by chief ancestor Roderic Murgatroyd as he descends from his portrait; the catchy patter trio, "My eyes are fully open to my awful situation," whose tune became the engaging "floor-wax song" in the recent revival of Thoroughly Modern Millie; and "I was once a very abandoned person," intoned by the reformed Despard and Margaret.
