The Yeomen Of The Guard (1957)

Set in 16th century London, a maiden (Celeste Holm) is in love with a prisoner (Bill Hayes) who is condemned to death. Her father (Norman Atkins) concocts a plan to free the prisoner. However, another friend (Robert Wright) of the prisoner concocts another plan that will prevent the prisoner's wicked cousin from inheriting his estates. Alas, the two plans work against each other. Based on the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta and directed by George Schafer. This charming confection is breezy and witty and the Gilbert and Sullivan songs are delightful. This production softens the play's more bittersweet ending somewhat emphasizing the comedic aspects. The cast is strong vocally except for Holm but she makes up for it with spirit. Operetta (and Gilbert and Sullivan in general) seems an acquired taste but this is hard to resist. With the great Barbara Cook in glorious voice, Alfred Drake, Henry Calvin, Norman Barrs and Muriel O'Malley.