Quote of the Day: Things are seldom what they seem; skim milk masquerades as cream. from H.M.S. Pinafore, by Gilbert & Sullivan. 

Once again, the Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company has assembled an excellent cast, crew, and musicians to create a lovely evening, or Sunday afternoon, of musical theater. Even more popular that Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore has been on stages since May 25, 1878. With a nautical theme and plenty of social satire, Pinafore has been a huge hit from the start. In true G & S form, the characters are quirky, a bit of an exaggeration, endearing, and musically talented! 

Kaoru Shoji and Anthony T. Rohr in the roles of Josephine and Ralph Rackstraw in GSVLOC’ production of H.M.S. Pinafore, thru 11/19/23.

Scott Benson plays the Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B. (I don’t know what KCB stands for, but he’s the guy in charge). He bring great comedy and facial expressions to his commanding character. Scott A. Gorman plays Captain Corcoran, and Sir Porter has fun messing up his name! He has a lovely voice and a charming stage presence and fatherly relationship with his stage daughter Josephine, played by Kaoru Shoji. Her voice is absolutely gorgeous. I didn’t even worry about catching all the words in the typical G & S high-speed lyrics, I just sat back and enjoyed her singing. 

Anthony T. Rohr plays Ralph Rackstraw, the lovestruck sailor, who has set his heart on Josephine, who is above his rank. His sweet, smooth, voice succeeds in wooing the captain’s daughter, but will they be allowed to marry? Amanda Jenkins is darling as Little Buttercup, singing and charming her way to the crew of the Pinafore. She is the comic relief, as well as the one who helps us understand what’s happening in the story. Josh Conroy as Dick Deadeye also causes antics and laughs. Cole Strelecki, John Orbison, and Mary Kettlewell are additional principal players in this swashbuckling romance. The cast includes a large chorus of men and women who aide in telling the story, provide excellent harmonies, and colorful costumes.

H.M.S. Pinafore is performed with a live orchestra under the direction of Randal A. Buikema. Fun nautical set by Wendy Waszut-Barrett. Costumes by Barb Portinga. Lighting design by Carl Schoenborn. You can read the extensive list of cast, crew, and supporters at the Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company website, where you can also check for tickets and showtimes. 

H.M.S. Pinafore, under the excellent direction of Gary Briggle, is playing at the Howard Conn Fine Arts Center inside the Plymouth Congregational Church (free parking in the church parking lot) through November 19, 2023. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Have you ever taken a sea voyage?