Comedic tale blends classic NE opera
by Ashley Clark

    The Regal Opera Company will perform Gilbert and Sullivan's The Grand Duke Friday-Saturday, Sept. 6-7, at 7:30 p.m. in the NE Campus Fine Art Theatre.

    The Grand Duke, first performed in London in 1896, follows the comedic story of a conspiracy among Ernest Dummkopf's, played by Ross Enriquez, acting troupe to overthrow Grand Duke Rudolph, played by Leslie Frye.

    The company comedian, Ludwig, played by Doug Terry, betrays the conspiracy. A statutory duel is fought between Ludwig and Ernest. The winner will denounce the loser to the Grand Duke.

    Meanwhile, Rudolph marries the Baroness von Krakenfeldt, played by Julie Underwood, who later reveals that her husband was betrothed in infancy to the Princess of Monte Carlo, played by Rachel Cortez-Payne. Rudolph's leaving provides the perfect opportunity for Ludwig to claim that he is the new Grand Duke. Now all of RudolphÕs responsibilities, including the Baroness, are his own.

    Other performers in the show include Janet Wooten as Lisa, Karin Vaught as Julia, Michael Rausch as The Notary, Larry Koonce as Herald and David Small as the Prince of Monte Carlo.

    Set in Germany, the two-story town is the biggest set NE Campus has had on its stage, Pam Cochrane, managing musical director of the Regal Opera Company said.

    "It has to hold 29 people," she said.

    The company is the brainchild of Cochrane, who also teaches Opera Workshop and directs the Bel Canto Choir on NE Campus. Her goal was to furnish a site for area professional talent to perform in the community.

    "All of the performers in the show are local professionals," she said.

    Since its opening in 1994, the Regal Opera Company has grown from four vocalists to over 50.

    A company trademark, many operas are performed in translated English. When performing in the language the opera was written, a performer will describe to the listener what is taking place.

    "Regal enjoys making the majesty of opera easily accessible to everyone," a representative of the opera company said.

    Translation was unnecessary this time as The Grand Duke was originally composed in English.

    Cochrane believes that the G-rated opera will be enjoyable to all audiences.

    "It's a really funny and delightful comedy," she said, "and the youngsters will like it, too."

    Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students and seniors and free for TCC faculty, staff and students. For reservations, call Regal Opera at 817-685-6143.