"The Yeoman of the Guard" by The Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company at the Conn Theater

After 10+ years of seeing Gilbert and Sulivan operettas by The Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company (GSVLOC, which has been around for over 40 years), I thought I knew what a G&S show was - a silly fantastical story, over the top characters, social commentary conveyed through comedy, ending with happily ever after (usually via a wedding or two). But then I saw The Yeoman of the Guard (their current show continuing through March 29), which does not fit the usual model. Yes, there is still some comedy, and fast patter songs, and a bit of silliness. But overall, it's a much more somber story, one that does not end happily for everyone, and in fact ends on a tragic note. But I loved it all the more for that, and for showing me that I didn't know everything G&S was or could be. But like all G&S shows done by GSVLOC, it's musically gorgeous, performed by an ensemble of 30-some singers, with a backstage orchestra of about that size. If you enjoy G&S, there is much to love here, and if you think you know them, there is much to surprise and endear you even more to them.

"The McAdo" by The Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company at the Conn Theater

If you can't wait for new episodes of Outlander to begin on November 22, maybe you should go see The Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company's Scottish take on The Mikado. Granted, there aren't a whole lot of similarities between G&S and our favorite time-traveling romance, but there are plenty of kilts and questionable Scottish accents! There is also a bit of romance and danger and fighting, although in a much less dramatic way. Using an adaptation form Gilbert & Sullivan Austin, this McAdo (which is an actual Scottish name) very cleverly changes the setting from Japan to Scotland, with some modern references as well (additional "tinkering" by stage director Joe Andrews). And as always with GSVLOC, the huge cast and orchestra sound amazing bringing to life another G&S classic in a fun and fresh way. The McAdo continues through November 24 at The Conn Theater in Plymouth Congregational Church in South Minneapolis.