Today was children’s day at the Ruddigore matinee, so we enjoyed seeing the kids perform a little onstage dance before the performance began (each Sunday matinee, and there are two remaining, will feature a program for children.). A 15-piece orchestra accompanied the principal singers and a strong chorus of ten men and ten women. Direction, stage business, choreography, and thorough musicianship and theatricality made this a real treat! This is the best production of Ruddigore I’ve ever attended. We are so lucky here in Austin to have such a delightful musical confection available, a labor of love by an army of volunteers. There were star turns, and the lead soprano (Glay-Marie Posch), new to the company, would grace any stage in any production. This year’s location couldn’t be more convenient. The views of downtown from high on the hill are spectacular in the daylight and even more so after dark. The auditorium at the School for the Deaf has been renovated and those who remember it in its past incarnation will be pleased to know that the restrooms have been enlarged. The acoustics are improved and the seats have been reupholstered. I don’t know whether this was just an attraction today or not, but there were painted portraits with head cut-outs and a photographer at the ready to memorialize the occasion. Light refreshments are available and so are souvenir tee-shirts. Remaining performances are at 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays through June 23 and at 3 on Sundays through June 24. It’s not difficult to purchase tickets at the door. Thank you, Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Austin!

Update: Here’s the enthusiastic Chron review of the very same performance (first Sunday matinee of this run).