Join The Savoy Company in our Gardens as they celebrate their 125th anniversary year with a traditional performance of The Gondoliers—a story that blends romance, mistaken identity, and ever-sharp social satire.
Set first in vibrant Venice and then in the fictional kingdom of Barataria, the story follows two cheerful gondoliers, Marco and Giuseppe, who learn that one of them has unknowingly been raised as a commoner despite being the rightful king. Because no one knows which brother holds the crown, they agree to rule jointly, creating absurd complications for their new brides and the court. Through its witty dialogue, lively ensemble numbers, and playful mockery of aristocracy and political systems, the operetta celebrates equality while poking fun at rigid class distinctions and the pretensions of monarchy.
Before the May 30 performance, join us for a talk with the creative team of The Gondoliers as they explore the show’s wit, music, and topsy-turvy satire in the Visitor Center Auditorium from 6:00 to 6:30 pm. Registration for the talk is not required.
About The Gondoliers
Premiered in 1889, The Gondoliers is the twelfth collaboration between librettist W.S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan. The show ran for 554 performances, making it one of the duo’s most successful later works.
Set in Venice and the fictional kingdom of Barataria, the plot centers on two gondoliers, Marco and Giuseppe, who discover that one of them is the rightful king but cannot determine which. They agree to rule jointly until the true monarch can be identified, allowing Gilbert to satirize monarchy, aristocracy, and British political institutions. The show is especially noted for its unusually warm tone and emphasis on equality, reflecting contemporary late-Victorian debates about class and governance.
Historically, The Gondoliers came after a serious quarrel between Gilbert and Sullivan in 1890 (the so-called “carpet quarrel”) over production expenses, which temporarily ended their partnership. Although they later reunited for Utopia, Limited (1893), and The Grand Duke (1896), The Gondoliers is often regarded as their last undisputed masterpiece. Its score is admired for incorporating brighter, more Italianate musical color than many earlier Savoy operas, while maintaining the duo’s trademark wit and intricate ensemble writing.
About The Savoy Company
Celebrating their 125th anniversary year, The Savoy Company is America's and the world’s oldest continuously performing theater company performing the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. The show is fully staged and features a gorgeous, professionally designed set, beautiful hand-sewn costumes, and professional quality actors and singers backed by a professional orchestra. Founded in 1901, The Savoy Company’s unwavering commitment to preserving the authenticity and brilliance of these productions has cemented its reputation as the gold standard for Gilbert and Sullivan performances. The theatrical works of Gilbert and Sullivan remain extremely popular worldwide and are second only to the works of Shakespeare in the number of performances presented globally each year.
The Savoy performances at Longwood Gardens represent a cherished Philadelphia early summer tradition of magical performance under the stars with the fragrant scent of blossoming flowers in the air. The tradition dates to 1916 when Savoy was first invited to perform on stage in the garden theater by Pierre S. du Pont who then called Longwood Gardens his home.