ABOUT THE SHOW

On August 23-24 and August 30-31st, 2025, GLO presented a one-hour classical music performance of a never-recorded, rarely-performed production of Prince Ananias (1894) at Devonshire Cultural Center in Skokie. Prince Ananias was the first operetta ever composed by Victor Herbert (1859-1924), the “Grandfather of American Musical Theater” [the Library of Congress]. Our original version is approximately one hour and is specially adapted for children, with a short preshow talk to educate children and their families about this important work of American musical history. After the show, kids had the opportunity to take photos and chat with the cast and enjoyed a mini Renaissance Faire with games, crafts, and face-painting!

THE STORY

In a faraway kingdom long ago, a small traveling theatrical troupe, La Fontaine’s Fabulous Folktale Players, struggles to attract audiences. That’s okay for George le Grabbe, an infamous outlaw who is currently hiding out with the theatrical troupe…but not for La Fontaine, the leader of the troupe, who desperately wants her troupe to perform for King Boniface and successfully make him laugh (which no one has been able to do for years). Enter Louis, a small-time con man and former friend of George. George and Louis hatch a scheme to infiltrate the Court of King Boniface and to pretend to turn George in to the King for the reward money, with Louis posing as the fake “Prince Ananias.” Can Louis and George successfully carry out their scheme? Can La Fontaine and her troupe make the King laugh? And will anyone discover that “Prince Ananias” is a fake? With mistaken identities, silly disguises, and complex schemes gone hilariously wrong, this madcap story – peppered with delightful music and top-notch singing – is sure to make kids and adults laugh… even if King Boniface doesn’t!

THE CAST

Louis (a.k.a. Prince Ananias), an Adventurer – Alexander Quackenbush

George le Grabbe, the Famous Outlaw – Katherine Dalin

La Fontaine, Manager of a Band of Strolling Players – Jamie Woodhull

Eugenia, La Fontaine’s Assistant – Isabel Schmitz

Idalia, La Fontaine’s Leading Lady – Eunice Ayodele

Ninette, a Village Belle – Mary Buckingham

King Boniface – Jack W. Ellis

THE CREATIVE TEAM

Stage Director – Elijah McTiernan

Music Director – Jade Dasha Hardy

Collaborative Pianist – Andrew Milliken

Educational/Preshow Talk & Adaptation – Eunice Ayodele

Producers – SarahAnn Sutter & Kristin Weed

Stage Manager – Isabel Schmitz

Scenic Design – Ryan Ellis, Eugenia Bouboudakis

Costumes – SarahAnn Sutter

Photography – Elise Blanchard

This production was presented in collaboration with the Devonshire Culture Center and the Skokie Park District.