The Grand Duke

The Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company is pleased to announce that it will present The Grand Duke , for four weekends, from February 26 to March 21, 2027. This production will be directed by Paul R. Coate, with music direction by Dr. Randal Buikema. The Grand Duke , Gilbert and Sullivan’s final collaboration, tells the delightful story of a theater company plotting to take political power in the Duchy of Pfennig Halbpfennig. The plot hinges on the misinterpretation of a law regarding “statutory duels,” which are fought with playing cards and result in “legal deaths.” Ludwig, the company’s comedian, spearheads the rebellion against the miserly Grand Duke Rudolph, takes power and, on the way, becomes engaged to four different women. The story features sausage rolls, theater contracts, ghosts, large bottles of champagne and a game or two of roulette! In The Grand Duke , Gilbert lampoons the frugality and phoniness of the wealthy classes and nobility, while also taking aim at governmental leaders with some particularly pointed political satire. Sullivan’s beautifully varied score includes lilting Viennese waltz music as well as Offenbach inspired French melodies. The Gilbert &