{From the GSArchive}
The Yeomen of the Guard, or The Merryman and His Maid, opened October 3, 1888, at the Savoy Theatre and ran for 423 performances. It is different from the other Gilbert and Sullivan operas in that it ends with a broken-hearted main character and at least two reluctant engagements, rather than the usual plethora of happy marriages. However, Gilbert finds plenty of opportunity to introduce comedy into his libretto. Many believe that the score is Sullivan’s finest. Indeed, some enjoy Yeomen particularly because of its ever-changing emotional balance of joy and despair, love and sacrifice. The setting of Yeomen is the Tower of London in the sixteenth century. The plot concerns Colonel Fairfax, a gentleman, soldier and scientist, who has been sentenced to death on a false charge of sorcery. To avoid leaving his estate to his accuser (a cousin), and with the help of the Lieutenant of the Tower, Fairfax secretly marries Elsie Maynard, a strolling singer. The bride agrees to be blindfolded during the ceremony and expects to be a well-paid widow within the hour. With the help of the Meryll family, Fairfax escapes, throwing the Tower into confusion and the astonished Elsie (and her companion, the jester Jack Point, who is in love with her) into despair. But Fairfax, disguised as Leonard Meryll, woos Elsie, and after a number of plot complications are worked out, she falls in love with Fairfax and leaves Jack Point broken-hearted. Our three performances are Saturday, October 19th at 2:00pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, October 20th at 2:00pm at Valley Regional High School, Deep River, CT.

The Connecticut Gilbert & Sullivan Society is a well-known brand. We have been presenting authentic G&S productions in Middlesex County every year since 1981, and our three shows this year will draw audiences from throughout Connecticut. Advertising in our show program will showcase your business to our ever-growing base of loyal customers., and will also be a worthwhile investment in your arts community. If you would like further information on advertising options in our The Yeomen of the Guard program, please call 860-554-1256. To place an ad with us via email, U.S. mail or on-line please follow the instructions on our ad contract form. Thank you for your interest in the Connecticut Gilbert & Sullivan Society.