Gilbert and Sullivan Archive
The Nautch Girl
or,
The Rajah of Chutneypore
written by George Dance.lyrics by George Dance and Frank Desprez.
music by Edward Solomon.
June 30, 1891 - January 16, 1892 (200 performances).
The life of Punka, the Rajah of Chutneypore, is plagued by many problems, including Indru, his love-sick son, who is in love with the nautch dancer Hollee Beebee; Punka's sponging relatives, especially the scheming Pyjama; and an idol named Bumbo, who comes to life in the opera's second act in
search of the diamond that serves as his right eye. Indru and Beebee are of different castes, and therefore unable to marry. Indru renounces his caste just as Beebee is raised to the status of a Brahmin, thus reversing the situation. Beebee escapes to Europe, leaving Indru and Punka to face the wrath of Bumbo and the machinations of Pyjama.
- Introduction
- Notes on the libretto.
- Libretto in text or WordPerfect format.
- MIDI Files -- listen to and sing along with the music
- Opening night review from the London Times, published July 1, 1891.
- Vocal Score: The vocal score for The Nautch Girl can be purchased from Christopher Browne's Gilbert & Sullivan Catalogue.
- The Nautch Girl page on the Musical Theatre Guide Web Site.
- To Other Savoy Operas Home Page
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Page updated 25 December 2003