The Sinfonicron Light Opera Company returns for its 53rd season with a production of “The Grand Duke,” the final work written by W.S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan. The show also marks the company’s final performance inside Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall before the venue closes in May for two years of major renovations.
“ ‘The Grand Duke’ is not often performed,” said producer Sarah Pittman. “We wanted to do this show as a send off.”
Sinfonicron is run by College of William and Mary students, without any assistance from the college’s theater department. It’s an opportunity for students — 86 total, in the case of “The Grand Duke” — across various majors to get hands-on experience with the performance production process from top to bottom, extending to the full orchestra.
“Everything we do here is created by students,” said Hannah Kwawu, the company’s assistant publicity director. But that’s not to imply it’s a small scale or halfhearted effort. The members cut their winter break short, beginning rehearsals Jan. 3. “We have 15 days to put together a great show.”
The script focuses on a group of actors who hate the presiding duke of a small town and aim to overthrow him. They challenge him to a duel, which an old law dictates must play out through the drawing of cards. The loser, although physically fine, is declared legally dead; further misunderstandings, duels and surprises ensue.
“It’s very silly,” said director Madelaine Foster.
But she added Gilbert and Sullivan’s original script — their last together before creative differences led to parting ways — had its flaws, including some sexist lyrics.
“The original script is not in great shape. You can see where things start to come apart,” she said, noting the duo’s differences begin to show during the second act. But it’s not without value. “There’s a lot of really strong points.”
Wading through the creators’ personal drama and the mores of the era, there was a story with imagination and wit. Foster enlisted the help of Alex Bulova to adapt the work into something more cohesive and modern.
“I think the accessibility is the best part of this production,” he said. “We have the opportunity and the liberty to make these changes.”
Bulova moved the setting from 1750s Germany to rural England in 1898. He also changed the lead role from male to female, although he kept the other characters and their relationships largely the same.
“It gives us this huge female part,” Foster said, and the change also allows the company to explore LGBTQ themes. “It’s a nice little move for a group of theater people.”
The company’s dramaturge helps the crew understand the play within its historical context. Students are also responsible for making the costumes by hand and constructing the set.
“They do such a great job creating that authentic 1800s village,” Kwawu said. “Everything’s done from scratch.”
As Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall prepares for its own re-imagining, “The Grand Duke” similarly combines a classic style with modern sensibilities.
“I think people will see themselves,” Bulova said. “I think it will be a refreshing look at an old show.”
Want to go?
“The Grand Duke” runs 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall. Tickets are $15 general admission or $20 for orchestra seating, available at sinfonicron.org, the Phi Beta Kappa box office or by calling 221-2674. $12 student tickets are available with ID at the box office.
