The Gondoliers

The Gondoliers lightly pokes fun at class differences, the monarchy, and is filled with beautiful music and ‘fancy’ dances from the Mediterranean region. It is a classic Gilbert and Sullivan topsy-turvy story, which ends well for all parties at the last possible second. The orchestra is conducted by Anne-Marie Endres and stage direction is done by Robert Vann.

Guiseppe (Charlie Baad) and Marco (Anthony Tavianini), brothers, have become gondoliers in Venice and quickly fall in love with and marry two beautiful country girls, Tessa (Karen Lyman/Paige Kelly) and Gianetta (Carley Neill). It should be known Gondoliers are guides and singers upon the gondolas they steer, attracting adoring girls wherever they travel.

Here’s where it gets complicated. It turns out a third girl, Casilda (Jadi Galloway/Tiffany Paterson) of Spain, was arranged to and married the heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Barataria as an infant. The problem is, no one knows precisely who the heir apparent is, including the heir apparent himself. It is either Guiseppe or Marco. In an effort to resolve the confusion, the two brothers attempt to rule Barataria together in a republican fashion rather than as a monarchy. Either way, Casilda loves neither of the brothers and instead loves Luiz (Chris Langton/Robert Vann), who is her father’s attendant.