Director, Gary Slavin
Musical Director/Conductor, Michael Thomas
Costume Design, Stefanie Genda
Lighting Design, Michael Cole
Photos by William Reynolds 

---

Set at the turn of the 20th century in the mythical kingdom of Zilania, Victor Herber's Sweethearts follows washwoman Dame Paula (affectionately known as "Mother Goose") and her gaggle of daughters. The adopted and starry-eyed Sylvia is the unknown heir to Zilania's throne and the object of the good-hearted Prince Franz's affection. But their potential happy-ever-after is threatened by a military cad, a conniving diva lusting for the crown, and a trio of statesmen seeking their own political gain. Plenty of confusion ensues, backed by Herbert's lush and lyrical music, until love finally conquers all.

Mother Goose, our narrator, runs the Laundry of the White Geese.

Mother Goose warns her goslings about falling in love with soldiers.

Lt. Karl woos the daughters at the laundry, while betrothed to Sylvia.

The adopted Sylvia sings the praises of true love between Sweethearts.

Mikel Mikeloviz, a disguised diplomat searching for the heir of the Zilianian throne, poses as Mother Goose's long lost husband.

Put to work at the laundry Mikel is happened upon the heir presumptive of Zilania, Prince Franz, who has fallen in love with Sylvia.

Slingsby searches for the adopted daughter/Princess of Zilania to make her his bride.

Liane, the milliners assistant, tells Sylvia of her tryst with Lt. Karl.

Posing as another adopted daughter, Liane, convinces Mikel, Von Tromp, and Slingsby that she is the daughter they are searching for and heir to the Zilanian throne. While singing a song about wood shoes.

Sylvia grieves after being betrayed by Lt. Karl

Mother Goose implores Sylvia to spend a year in a convent to reflect on Prince Franz's proposal.

A year later, Mother Goose is invited to the palace to celebrate Sylvia's engagement to Prince Franz.

The goslings at the palace.

Mikel and Mother Goose bicker.

Von Tromp and Slingsby scheme for the hand of the adopted daughter at the court of Zilania.

The Zilanian Court.

Sylvia and Prince Franz being to fall in love.

Lt. Karl, still engaged to Liane, hopes to regain the heart of Sylvia.

Liane instructs Sylvia of how love and politics really work.

Mikel, Von Tromp, and Slingsby dressed as the monk who rescued the Zilanian princess.

Liane is introduced as the adopted daughter/Zilanian Princess.

Sylvia is revealed to be the true adopted daughter and the rightful heir to the Zilanian throne.