Crescendo: Gilbert and Sullivan

The dramatist W. S. Gilbert and the composer Arthur Sullivan are famous for their partnership in creating works with ridiculous twists and turns of the plot. Virtually all of their works are spoofs and satires of the British legal and social class system. Their wit and sense of irony go beyond musical theater to comedy in general. The popular one-act comic opera Trial by Jury is presented in a semi-staged, costumed version. The story is a“breach of promise of marriage” lawsuit in which the judge and legal system are the objects of lighthearted satire. The second part of this performance is entitled “Is it Love, or is it Duty?” and features some of the most favorite solo and ensemble numbers from Gilbert & Sullivan operas: Patience, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, Iolanthe, The Mikado, Ruddigore, and Princess Ida. This amusing musical and theatrical production concludes our 20th anniversary season.
Performers: Crescendo Chorus, Stephen Quint, baritone (Judge), Rebecca Palmer, soprano (Angelina), Igor Ferreira, tenor (Edwin, Ralph Rackstraw), Sarah Bleasdale, mezzo soprano (Buttercup, Pitti-Sing), and an instrumental ensemble, co-directed by John-Arthur Miller, baritone (Ko-Ko) and Christine Gevert.