The Show was great! My Superstar Student of 11 YEARS had never done Gilbert and Sullivan before, and yet was cast in a leading Part. She was “Fianetta”, the lead singer in the chorus. The costumes, props and sets were excellent, and the production included about 10 children in the chorus who danced and sang and added so much to the production. There was a small pit orchestra, consisting of keyboard (with multiple sounds), a flute, violin, and a drummer with a full kit, including a KETTLE DRUM!
Although the overture was somewhat abbreviated, there was nothing cut from the opera itself. Since I know this one by heart, I had to struggle to keep my mouth shut through the entire production, hahaha. The ensemble pieces were excellent, with all the original harmonies intact, and the choreography was spirited and traditional to G&S, meaning simple non-ballet movement all around the stage. The Voices were good, but most of the singers did not have extensive training in this genre, so they sounded more like Broadway Singers than Opera Singers. But this particular company also does Broadway Musicals, so that is understandable.
At one point in the first act, there was a monster thunder storm outside, and the lights went out for just a few seconds. The electronic instruments were silenced, but the violin and flute soldiers on, and the unamplified singer did not miss a beat. Then the lights, sound, and keyboard came back on , amidst the thunder and torrential rain on the roof. In The second act, the Duke, a celebrity for hire, updated the lyrics of his “Endorsement for hire” song, and included “Congressman not under indictment” as one of his customers! Sir Gilbert would have loved it.
What really impressed me was the acting and facial expressions on EVERY Member of the cast, not just the Principals. It was truly a labor of love.
Next Year they are doing “HMS Pinafore”, and since my summers are very quiet, I just might try out for it. I heard they did “The Mikado” last year. Sorry I missed that one.
My student’s Dad took me out for Mexican Food afterward. Since he had been my late husband’s best friend, we had a lot to talk about. AND he’s a Conservative!
Great day overall!