Gilbert and Sullivan's "Ruddigore (or the Witch's Curse)" came alive at the Historic Everett Theatre on March 11. Only the second performance of its run, the Northwest Savoyards' talented actors and their production team created a feast for the eyes.

Danielle Villegas, the show's director, told theatre patrons that "Ruddigore" was historically "not a big seat seller."

On the play's opening night, way back in 1887 at the Savoy Theatre in London, it simply flopped. This was a shock to its creators. Gilbert and Sullivan's productions were as good as box office gold.

Over the years since the dreaded opening night, "Ruddigore" slowly developed a following. Performed for over one hundred years, as the climate of society changed, so too did the play's popularity.

"Ruddigore" has been called a parody of melodrama. The exaggerations seen in melodrama are even more exaggerated, creating brilliant satire.

As a steampunk production, Danielle Villegas played with her alternate view of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic. Under choreographer Yulia Hancheroff's direction, the small stage at the Historic Everett Theatre was no match for these impenetrable scenes and high-quality dance moves.

The costumes, created by DodiRose Zooropa, blurred the line between modernity--with combat boots and tattoos--and history, with bustles and tail coats.

The quirky personalities seen in the "professional bridesmaids" were created by the costumes they wore. Each costume was inspirationally unique, infusing individuality into what could have been background.

The young ladies were able to play with large bustles, combat boots, and cigarette holders, as they danced and sang across the stage. They created a vast contrast to their counterpart, Rose Maybud.

Rose Maybud is the parody of a benevolent heroine--a good girl. Minding her etiquette p's and q's and always with an eye for potential reputable suitors, Meagan Castillo played Rose to a tee. Castillo's angelic singing voice and bright young expressions made Rose Maybud sickeningly sweet and altogether likeable.

The sweet Rose was in direct contrast to yet another stock character, the crazy dejected spinster Margaret or "Mad Mag." The expressive face of Gina Wilhelm never faltered when showing the audience Mad Mag's wants and desires. "Cheerily Carols the Lark," Mag's introductory song, showed the audience her heartbroken and thwarted past. Wilhelm's performance of the insane women's quick multiple switches from sweet to slightly murderous made for a standout performance.

Set design by Tim Sauke followed the creative bend. As portraits of the ancestors of Ruddigore castle stood as staid pictures, no one in the audience could guess what befell them. Soon the ancestors stepped out of their portraits in an imaginative display.

These ancestors, along with Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd played by Rob Martin, brought an eerie sense of horror through their rich voices and rhythmic dance moves in the trio of numbers.

All said, this overlooked and underrated musical was given a revived facelift at the Historic Everett Theatre. A must see for everyone!

"Ruddigore" runs through Sunday, March 20, with shows Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Call (425) 258-6766 for tickets.