Princess Ida

Operetta

Writers: Arthur Sullivan W.S. Gilbert

Overview

Show Information

Lyrics
Libretto
Category
Operetta
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1884
Genres
Comedy, Satire
Settings
Multiple Settings
Cast Size
large
Dancing
Optional
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal for
Chamber Opera, College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Professional Opera, Regional Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes adult, mature adult, late teen, young adult, elderly, child, early teen characters

Synopsis

A hilarious twist on a traditional medieval fairy tale, Princess Ida tells the tale of a Princess, who eschews her marriage obligations to the Prince of a neighboring kingdom (made when they both were infants) to run a women's university. Prince Hilarion has been waiting for his wedding day for twenty years. He is about to meet Princess Ida to whom he was betrothed, as a baby. Unfortunately, Princess Ida has decided that she does not want to honor the commitment, and has, instead, gone off and started a women's college. But Hilarion does not give up hope! In an attempt to woo her, Hilarion, dresses up as a maiden and sneaks into the women's compound, accompanied by his friends, Cyril and Florian, who are forced to dress up, as well. Once the "maidens" are in the compound, various girls attending the college discover their secret. These girls attempt to keep their knowledge from Ida, but eventually she Ida discovers and apprehends the intruders. It looks like violence is sure to erupt, but Ida finally relinquishes and agrees to marry Hilarion.

Lead Characters

Princess Ida guide sections