Quote of the Day: It is our intent in this production to present a serious opera filled with intrigue, betrayal and heartbreak – occasional glints of wit and humor notwithstanding. Gary Briggle, director of The Yeomen of the Guard, a Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company (GSVLOC) on stage at the Conn Theater in Minneapolis, MN. 

As always, GSVLOC has mounted an amazing production from Gilbert & Sullivan. My sister Joy and I like to attend their performances together, and neither of us were familiar with The Yeomen of the Guard. It differs from their usual light flair. Like Mr. Briggle says in the quote, above, it’s a little more serious. The duo chose a more realistic setting and plot. However, it still has many fun and light moments, as well as the patter songs that come at you fast and furious. The singers always amaze us with how expertly they can do them!

Sam Vinitsky as Jack Point and Mary Kettlewell as Elsie in GSVLOC’s The Yeomen of the Guard, thru 3/29/26. Photo: Stephen Hage

Sam Vinitsky is outstanding as Jack Point, a strolling jester. His vocals and acting are all strong, and as my sister Joy said, “He puts action into every line.” He knows how to tell a joke and punctuate the punchline, giving a little kick, arm gesture, or eyebrow waggle. But, he’s also a tragic character. While he and Elise, his strolling singer partner, agree that she should marry a doomed man for his money, he quickly regrets it, as he is in love with her. Mary Kettlewell is darling as Elsie Maynard, and the two together are delightful.

Graham Remple plays the doomed Colonel Fairfax. He is charming and funny, and has a gorgeous voice that fills the auditorium. Waldyn Benbenek plays Sergeant Meryll who tries to help Fairfax and save him from execution. His daughter Phoebe, played brilliantly by Charlotte Smith, tries to pretend that Fairfax is her brother. This irritates the Head Jailer Wilfred Shadbolt, played by Trevor Woggon, adding humor and seriousness to the role. I enjoyed his performance. Phoebe and Wilfred play off each other nicely. 

Trevor Woggon as Wilfred Shadbolt and Charlotte Smith as Phoebe Meryll in GSVLOC’s The Yeomen of the Guard, thru 3/29/26. Photo: Stephen Hage

Andrew Peterson plays Sergeant Meryll’s actual son Leonard. He pops in and out with some fun lines and music. Eric Sorum plays Sir Richard Cholmondeley, and Lara Trujillo plays Dame Caruthers. Both are strong singers and delightfully embody these colorful characters. Ella Rose Katzenberger plays Dame Caruthers’ niece, and gets a few lovely solos, as well. 

This feels like a really well balanced show mixing humor and beauty with some darker themes and social injustice. Colonel Fairfax has been sentenced to be executed on a false charge of sorcery, and his accuser will benefit financially from his death. They come up with a plan to save him. In the meantime, a woman marries a man she’s never met, her admirer feels the sting of rejection, and justice is served, but at a cost. The large chorus is amazing, as usual. The live orchestra under the direction of Randal A. Bukema is outstanding, as always. Gorgeous set design by Michael Hoover is the Tower of London. I like how the backdrop is of the tower with a lighter and darker side, and it changed with the lighting. Lighting design by Carl Schoenborn. Gorgeous costumes by Bronson Talcott. Hair and Make-Up by Breanna Fay. 

Sam Vinitsky as Jack, Mary Kettlewell as Elsie, Charlotte Smith as Phoebe, and Graham Remple as Colonel Fairfax in GSVLOC’s The Yeomen of the Guard, thru 3/29/26. Photo: Stephen Hage

You can see GSVLOC‘s excellent production of The Yeoman of the Guard at the Conn Theater (attached to the Plymouth Congregational Church) in Minneapolis, MN through March 29, 2026. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Who are some of your favorite comedic characters who are also tragic characters?