Gilbert Vs. Sullivan
With the titular characters played by women in drag, behold as Gilbert and Sullivan bicker, battle, and build some of the world’s best operetta. Follow the pair as they travel the globe withtheir faithful ensemble and on their most popular performances; from Pinafore to Ruddigore. This funny, irreverent and historically accurate show hits all the right notes for any audience. The flexible and expandable casting will help your entire ensemble shine.
Scene 1: Gilbert vs. Sullivan opens with Alfred Sellier playing the Ruddigore Overture while Gilbert and Sullivan listen from their stools, flanking the piano. Problems arise immediately, and the real-time ups and downs and rehearsals are laid bare. Richard D’Oyly Carte reports that HMS Pinafore was being produced without a license, and to solve the problem, they need to produce simultaneous authorized productions in New York and England. On top of that, Carte tasks them with penning a new play.
Scene 2: Gilbert & Sullivan take the chance to poke fun at the “Pinafore Pirates” by creating Pirates of Penzance. They rehearse this new show with all new challenges, including an attempted orchestra mutiny.
Scene 3: Gilbert & Sullivan triumphantly return to London, and their home theater The Savoy. They attempt to strike gold again with “Would You Know The Kind Of Maid”from Princess Ida, but are booed and pelted with vegetables. After the disastrous premiere, Gilbert and Sullivan take a break.
Scene 4: Gilbert attends the London’s famous 1885 Japanese village exhibition on Carte’s insistence, and is profoundly inspired. In limbo, Gilbert and Sullivan stand back to back, reading reconciliation letters to one another. Sullivan takes Gilbert up on the offer to collaborate on a new show, and they write The Mikado. More tumultuous rehearsals spring up, but the show is getting its legs. Baxendale earns her role as Katisha and Gilbert’s respect. Grossmith’s concerns about the word “titipu” are poo-pooed. Gilbert & Sullivan unite in a warmly nihilistic agreement that nothing matters, scored by the “My Eyes are Fully Open” Trio from Ruddigore.
Cast:
10 player in total
1 Non-Speaking/Singing (Piano/Orchestra)
3 Speaking only
6 Singers
William Gilbert: Cheeky and antagonistic, with a hot temper (played by woman in male drag)
Arthur Sullivan: Hedonistic, prideful, with a hint of melancholy (played by woman in male drag)
D’Oyly Carte: Producer, Charming diplomat, handles G&S (played by woman in male drag)
Millie Marsden: Soprano, star of the company (Mabel/Josephine/Peep-Bo)
Frederick Stafford Moss: Tenor, lovable dummy (Frederic/Cyril/Pish-Tush/Ralph)
George Grossmith: Baritone, eager (Major Stanley/Dick/Sr. Joseph/Ko-Ko/Poo-Bah/Despard)
Rutland Barrington: Bass/Baritone, haughty & entitled (Pirate King/Captain/Ko-Ko/Robin)
Rosina Brandram: Mezzo-Soprano, proud & snarky(Cousin Hebe/Margaret/Yum-Yum/Edith)
Beatrix Baxendale: Mezzo-Soprano, anxious & eager (Katisha/Pitti-Sing/Isabelle/Buttercup)
Alfred Sellier: Piano/Orchestra, steadfast, quick with an eye roll.
Chorus: No chorus required, but can easily be added as needed.
Details:
Duration: Approx. 1 hour
Setting: Interior of rehearsal rooms in London, New York (all looking generally the same) Lobby & Theater at the Savoy, London, Limbo
Time Period: 1878-1887
Orchestra size: Piano
Cast Attributes:
Non-Traditional Casting
Cross-gender Casting
Multi-Cultural Casting
Flexible Casting
Expandable casting
Operetta with 3 Actors
Room for Extras
Further:
Performing Groups: College Theatre/Student, Young Artists’ Programs (YAPs), Community Theatre,
Professional Theatre, Opera Companies, Black Box/Second Stage/Fringe Groups
Features: Minimalist, Improvised, “Behind the Scenes”, women in male drag
Target Audience: Adults, Seniors, Teens (13+)
Keywords:
Gilbert & Sullivan
Savoy
Historical fiction
Comedy
Theatre/Entertainment Industry
Collaboration
Contents Include:
-Digital download of script
-2 individual consultations with Cackling Harpies