HMS Pinafore, or Thirty Years of Gilbert and Sullivan in Austin
Gilbert and Sullivan: the names may not sound familiar to you, but their music has been referenced very often in pop culture. If you haven't seen any of their works, you may have heard bits and pieces on an episode of the Simpsons or Family Guy. Maybe you saw the Mike Leigh film, Topsy-Turvy (if you didn't, you aren't missing much). Those of you unfamiliar with the British operetta-writing pair: it's time to get schooled.
To celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Austin, the group will be putting on HMS Pinafore as their show this year. As with most G&S operettas, the story is all over the place, but it's all good fun and catchy music. The main plot revolves around a captain's daughter (played by Claire Vangelisti) who loves a sailor below her class (Holton Johnson). She's engaged to another man, of course. Rounding out the cast is the captain himself (Frank Delvy), a strange woman named Buttercup (our pal Janette Jones), and more sailors.
Songs to look forward to include: The Captain's "When I was a lad" and our favorite "I'm called Little Buttercup." The Buttercup song tends to be rather infectious, and you may find yourself humming it during the intermission.
HMS Pinafore, or the Lass that Loved a Sailor
Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Austin, Directed by Ralph McPhail, Jr., Music Director: Jeffrey Jones-Ragona
Forrest Kline Performing Arts Center @ Crockett HS
5601 Manchaca (at Stassney)[map]
June 15 thru July 2 (Thursdays thru Saturdays @ 8pm, Sundays @ 3pm)
$20/adults, $15/students and $5/18 and under (Discounted tickets available on Thursdays)
[buy tickets]
* Photo (c) Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Austin
