Independent Arts News Reporting Bucks County Gilbert & Sullivan Society presents “Ruddigore”
Reported Monday, June 16, 2025.
Pictured Above: Nik Peterson of Souderton plays one of the historical portraits who come to life at Ruddigore Castle in the Bucks County Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s musical comedy “Ruddigore,” performing June 20, 21 and 22 with full orchestra at Delaware Valley University’s Life Sciences theater. Photo Credit: Contributed.
NEWSROOM POST: DOYLESTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Ruddigore” Performing in Doylestown
Doylestown, PA – The Bucks County Gilbert & Sullivan Society presents Gilbert & Sullivan’s musical comedy “Ruddigore” on Friday June 20 at 8:00 PM, Saturday June 21 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and Sunday June 22 at 2:00 PM, in Delaware Valley University’s Life Sciences Theater, 700 East Butler Avenue, Doylestown. The show’s cast of top local singers is accompanied by the Bucks County Gilbert & Sullivan Orchestra.
The theater group, now in its 16th year, presents this topsy-turvy musical of two brothers in 1890s Cornwall. England, who are under a witch’s curse to commit a crime a day or else die a painful death. One brother flees and disguises himself to avoid the curse, and then falls in love with a very proper maiden; the other brother takes on the curse but tries to commit crimes that aren’t too offensive. Enter a bevy of professional bridesmaids, a sailor smitten by the same proper lass, and a rogues’ portrait gallery of ancestral ghosts coming to life, and comedic mayhem breaks out — all sung by an outstanding cast, and set to Sullivan’s resplendent music played by a 35-piece live orchestra. The show’s colorful ensemble sings delightful patter songs, ballads and choral pieces that are the hallmark of the G&S canon, making it fun for the whole family.
Directing “Ruddigore” is Julie May of West Chester, veteran of several International Gilbert & Sullivan Festivals in England; and the Music Director and Orchestra Conductor is Lee F. Milhous of New Britain, whose credits as Music Director, Conductor, or Accompanist include over 70 shows with professional theaters. Chorusmaster is Bob Binkley of New Britain, and Bill Buckman and Ed Connolly of Doylestown are Producers. Technical Director is Dave Cassel of Perkasie, Kat Carr is Stage Manager, Emily Kwak of Princeton is Costumer and Joy Woffindin of Perkasie is Choreographer. The sets are designed and painted by Henry Heymann of Doylestown, whose background includes decades of professional theater productions in Santa Fe, New York City and Pittsburgh.
The cast of “Ruddigore” features Derek Hess of Boyertown as Robin Oakapple; Timothy Faulkner of Ewing, NJ as Richard Dauntless; Colin Dahms of Reading as Sir Despard Murgatroyd; Bob Binkley of New Britain as Old Adam Goodheart, Elizabeth Axler of Doylestown as Rose Maybud, Abby Capitolo of Abington and Kat Carr sharing the role of Mad Margaret; Valerie Sharper of Warminster as Dame Hannah; Kira Scharf of Ewing, NJ as Zorah; Rachel Romack of North Wales as Ruth; and Robin Schott Jr. of Abington as Sir Roderic Murgatroyd. Among the Ruddigore ghostly ancestors are Raighne Kirk of North Wales; Bob Kinney of Doylestown; and Nik Peterson of Souderton. The chorus of villagers and bridesmaids includes Faith Donaher of Phoenixville; Deborah Edwards and John Klinges of North Wales; Clare Fannon of Newtown; Ruth Ison of Montgomeryville; Jordan Twitchell of Abington; Joseph Gentile of Bedminster; Bob Kinney and Dennis Klöppel of Doylestown; Greg Kopcho of Perkasie; John Rothrock of New Britain; Eli Rosen of Melrose Park; Bill Sismour of Yardley; Joy Woffindin of Perkasie; and Joe Stockette of Langhorne.
Tickets at the door are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and students, and discounted prices are available by going to the Bucks G&S website to purchase tickets online. To park at the DVU Life Sciences Building, turn from New Britain Road onto Admissions Drive, then right into Parking Lot C. Tickets and further information is at BucksGilbertAndSullivan.org or call 215-262-5550.
