Word: murgatroyd
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...production's success is especially remarkable given the substantially flawed material. The two acts are only loosely connected by the curse on the Murgatroyd family: a love triangle that dominates the first act almost completely disappears in the second, despite a token reappearance by two of the characters. Except for a delicious song spoofing a pair of civil servants, the opera lacks much of the celebrated Gilbert and Sullivan social satire. Worst of all, the witch's curse, which has plagued the noble Murgatroyds for more than three centuries and the audience for nearly three hours, is dispelled abruptly, leaving...
...much preoccupied with etiquette, loves young Robin Oakapple (Mark Clements), who possesses "the manners of a marquis and the morals of a Methodist." Robin loves Rose, too, but he harbors a terrible secret: he is masquerading as a farmer to avoid acknowledging his position as the 22nd baronet of Murgatroyd. His title carries with it some rather grim duties: the baronet must commit a crime every day, or die in torment at the hands of his ancestors. This curse makes life troublesome for ladies who love Murgatroyds. Dame Hannah, played by Jeannette Worthen, was forced to renounce Robin's uncle...
...then, technical expertise traditionally characterizes the G&S Players' productions. The costumes, designed by Gael Simonson and Christie Brown, are lavish, lovely creations. John Magouin's sets are equally pleasing. The somber Murgatroyd castle lurking behind Magouin's pretty village scene is an especially inspired touch. Musical director Richard Hoffman deserves credit for a minor miracle: the orchestra nearly perfectly accompanies the singers--quite a feat considering the Agassiz's notoriously miserable acoustics...
Director Sully Brown seems to have cast with an eye to physical appearance. This effect works particularly well when Hannah and the ghost of the Murgatroyd she renounced (David Haughton) sing the tale of their love; the actors literally embody the subjects of their song--a "pretty little flower" and a "big oak tree." Overall, the cast is in fine singing and speaking voice, though the stilted dialogue overpowers Weary at times, and Monnen's Cockney accent seems to have a mind of its own, coming and going at will. But there's no need to carp. Acting...
AFTER SELTZER and Gustafson, encomiums are harder to parcel out. Linda Greenbaum, as the Lady Ella, has an unusually winning voice, and Stephen Montgomery as the extremely eligible Duke of Dunstable sings in a rich, clear tenor. As Major Murgatroyd, David Brown stumbles out of step, mugs and affects a Cockney accent with comic virtuosity. On the other hand, Jeanette Worthen's characterization of the irksome Lady Jane, who clings to Reginald when the rest of his admirers have deserted him for Archibald, is blunted by an annoying hamminess...