description Ruddigore Overview
Ruddigore is a comic opera by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan that premiered at the Savoy Theatre in London in 1887. The work parodies Victorian melodramas, particularly those featuring supernatural elements and family curses. Originally titled 'Ruddygore,' the name was changed after some considered the original title offensive.
The opera includes the famous ghost scene in the second act, where portraits of ancestors come to life, and features several of Sullivan's most intricate patter songs including 'I once was as meek as a new-born lamb.'
help Ruddigore FAQ
Who wrote the comic opera "Ruddigore"?
The work was created by the famous Victorian theatrical duo of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. It premiered at the Savoy Theatre in London in 1887.
What is the plot of "Ruddigore"?
The opera parodies Victorian melodramas by centering on a family cursed to commit a crime every day or face a painful death. The protagonist must navigate this supernatural family curse to save his life.
Why was the original title of the operetta changed?
Gilbert and Sullivan originally titled the opera "Ruddygore," but changed it before opening night. The alteration was reportedly made because critics felt the original name sounded too crude for polite society.
How was "Ruddigore" received upon its premiere?
Although it ran for a respectable 288 performances, it was initially considered a relative disappointment compared to their smash hit "The Mikado." Today, it is celebrated for its clever parody of gothic horror tropes.
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