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Scripts and librettos, 1871 - 1955

 Series — record carton: MSS 001 Box 03
Identifier: MSS 001-02

Scope and Contents

This series contains scripts and librettos for Gilbert and Sullivan productions. Some scripts also contain the musical arrangements for the operas. A number of the librettos were published as "souvenir" librettos and contain photographs or drawings of characters or actors in the opera. Some scripts were working copies and contain handwritten notes on set decoration, costumes, delivery, and blocking. Most operas have several different editions of the script, and there are some incomplete copies. This series also includes a script for a 1946 radio performance of H.M.S Pinafore. The series also contains a number of scripts for Gilbert's plays written without Sullivan, including the "Bab Ballads".

Dates

  • 1871 - 1955

Creator

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

Records in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to researchers.

Conditions Governing Use

Some materials may be subject to copyright. No part of the materials protected by copyright may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the copyright holder. Researchers are required to seek permission from the copyright holder to reproduce and/or publish materials under copyright.

Extent

1.25 linear feet; 2 boxes

Arrangement

This series is arranged alphabetically by production.

Box 3: Scripts, librettos, and souvenirs

Folder Title

Bab Ballads

Box and Cox

The Gondoliers

H.M.S. Pinafore

Iolanthe

The Mikado

Multiple operas

Patience

The Pirates of Penzance

Ruddigore

The Sorcerer

Trial by Jury

W.S. Gilbert Productions

The Yeomen of the Guard

Physical Location

3L

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was assembled by Sigmund A. Lavine and placed on loan at Emerson College Archives in 1994, with ownership of a portion of the collection transferring to Emerson each subsequent year. Following Lavine's death in 1996, the entire collection became the sole property of the Archives, according to his wishes, and at the behest of his family.

Bibliography

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [Container number], Sigmund A. Lavine Gilbert and Sullivan Collection, Emerson College Archives, Emerson College, Boston, MA.

Processing Information

Chessie Monks, 2010

Latest revision: 12/1/10

Repository Details

Part of the Emerson College Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Walker Building, Room 223
120 Boylston Street
Boston Massachusetts 02116 United States
(617) 824-8301