New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players Return to In-Person Performances, Announce Fall Season

The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, here performing the G&S classic, “Mikado,” in 2019, are returning to in-person performances.  The Fall Season of NYGASP will kick off with Season Reopening Celebration on Oct. 24, 2021. H.M.S. Pinafore on Dec. 29, 2021- Jan. 2, 2022 at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (East 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues). New Year’s with NYGASP on Dec. 31, 2021 will be at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater at Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th Street). The season continues with The Pirates of Penzance Jan. 5-9, 2022 and The Gondoliers April 7-10, 2022 at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (East 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues).  © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

(New York) The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players (NYGASP), one of America’s most preeminent professional Gilbert & Sullivan repertory companies, announces their Fall 2021-22 season at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (East 68^th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues) which includes Season Reopening Celebration, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Gondoliers. In addition,  NYGASP is continuing their 40+ year tradition of New Year’s with NYGASP at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater at Symphony Space. 

Under the dynamic leadership of Artistic Director Albert Bergeret, who has been hailed as “the leading custodian of the G&S classics” by New York Magazine, NYGASP has created its own special niche in the cultural mosaic of New York City and the nation. Since its founding in 1974, the company has presented over 2000 performances of the G&S masterpieces throughout the United States, Canada, and the U.K. captivating audiences of all ages. NYGASP’s productions are charged with engaging contemporary entertainment values while retaining respect for the famous duo’s comedic and musical genius.

Season Reopening Celebration

Sunday, October 24, 2021 – 3 PM

Join the fun as the NYGASP repertory Company and Orchestra engage in a romp through favorites from the G&S canon – including the first rate opportunity to indulge in audience requests performed impromptu after intermission. Old friends, fresh new faces, and our loyal orchestra members can’t wait to share the glee of the G&S repertoire with our cherished friends and fans who “plough the sea”!

H.M.S. Pinafore

Wednesday, December 29, 2021 7:30 PM
Thursday, December 30, 2021 2 PM* and 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 2, 2022 3 PM

This early satirical sendup helped Gilbert and Sullivan chart a new course for modern musical theatre. The captain’s daughter has caught the eye – and the heart – of two men at once: a lowly sailor and the pompous Sir Joseph Porter. Only a bumbling baby-farmer named Little Buttercup can unravel this mess of mistaken identities and mismatched marriages. Filled with infectious tunes and featuring a rousing finale, it’s no wonder this classic comedy still makes a modern-day splash!

*Bring Your Grandparents Day – Thurs Dec 30 at 12:45PM

Respect your elders with a pre-show Family Overture (Musical and plot introduction made entertaining for the entire family) and a backstage tour following the performance. Free to all ticket holders.

New Year’s Eve With NYGASP

December 31, 2021 7:30 PM

Join us for an intimate and engaging version of our merry New Year’s Eve celebration at Symphony Space’s 160 seat Thalia Theater. The best of NYGASP will perform their personal G&S favorites followed by the Company’s signature tour-de-force challenge – audience requests from the G&S repertoire performed impromptu. Topped off with a champagne toast to the New Year and a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne!

The Pirates of Penzance

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 7:30 PM
Thursday, January 6, 2022 7:30 PM
Friday, January 7, 2022 7:30 PM
Saturday, January 8, 2022 2 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 9, 2022 3 PM

Set sail with this classic comedy that boasts one of the most famous patter songs in musical theatre history. On the coast of Cornwall, a band of tenderhearted pirates celebrates the coming of age of Frederic, who was mistakenly apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday. Now, Frederic has vowed to devote his life to the extermination of piracy – until a ludicrous leap year snag threatens to keep him apprenticed to the pirates for life! Throw in a bevy of beauties, a brash Pirate King, the delightfully stuffy Major-General Stanley and you’ve got what The New York Times calls “AN ENDEARING PRODUCTION WITH HIGH MUSICAL STANDARDS AND SPIRITED PERFORMANCES.”

 The Gondoliers

Thursday, April 7, 2022 7:30 PM
Friday, April 8, 2022 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 9, 2022 2 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 10, 2022 3 PM

Are you seeing double? You will during The Gondoliers, as two different groups with two different storylines collide in one boisterous and joyous show. After much confusion, lots of exuberant dancing, and jolly Italianate musical ensembles, the stage is set for leaving all concerned, including the audience, with feelings of pleasure!

The NYGASP 2021-22 season is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State’s 62 counties. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Ticket from $25 – $105. Season subscriptions available. Children and Student discounts also available. For information on all shows and to purchase tickets and/or subscriptions visit www.nygasp.org  

See also:

RUSH TO SEE THE NEW YORK GILBERT & SULLIVAN PLAYERS’ ‘MIKADO,’ SHOWPIECE OF ITS 45TH SEASON

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NYS Greenlights Reopening of Performing Arts, Entertainment Venues

Bright lights of Broadway can shine again, as New York State allows reopening of performing arts and entertainment venues with capacity controls and health protocols © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Venues Will Be Able to Host Up to 100 People Indoors or Up to 200 People Outdoors; With Testing or Immunization, Up to 150 People Indoors or Up to 500 People Outdoors

Social Distancing, Face Coverings and Strict Health Protocols Required

Excelsior Pass Now Available for New Yorkers to Show Proof of Vaccination or Recent Negative COVID-19 Test to Attend Venues; Interested New Yorkers Can Use Excelsior Pass and Learn More Here; Interested Businesses Can Learn More Here

New State Guidance Available Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that performing arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33 percent capacity beginning today. Venues can host up to 100 people indoors or up to 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of completed vaccination or recent negative test result prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors or up to 500 people outdoors. Social distancing, face coverings, health screening and other health protocols will be required by all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable Department of Health guidance, which is available here.

“New York’s beloved arts and entertainment venues have been hard hit by the public health guidance we’ve implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19, and after a long and difficult period, I am glad to see them reopen their doors to New Yorkers,” Governor Cuomo said. “Attendees will need to follow strict guidance to keep themselves and others safe, but they’ll now be able to watch world-class performances and take part in our state’s thriving arts and culture scene once again. I encourage New Yorkers to get tested before attending events and to use Excelsior Pass to show venues that they’ve been vaccinated or tested before entering performance spaces.”

On March 26, Governor Cuomo announced the launch of Excelsior Pass – a free, voluntary platform developed in partnership with IBM, which utilizes proven, secure technology to confirm an individual’s recent negative PCR or antigen test result or proof of vaccination to help fast-track the reopening of businesses and event venues in accordance with New York State Department of Health guidelines. Similar to a mobile airline boarding pass, individuals will be able to either print out their pass or store it on their smartphones using the Excelsior Pass Wallet app. Each Pass will have a secure QR code, which participating businesses and venues can scan using a companion app to verify proof of COVID-19 negative test results or proof of vaccination. An individual’s data is kept secure and confidential at all times.

Interested New Yorkers can opt in to use Excelsior Pass and learn more here; interested businesses can opt in and learn more here.

On February 20, the Governor announced the launch of NY PopsUp, an unprecedented and expansive festival featuring hundreds of pop-up performances that will revitalize the spirits of New Yorkers with the energy of live performances and will jumpstart the state’s live entertainment industry. During the run of the festival, NY PopsUp will grow in its scale, volume of performances, and geographical footprint. Follow @NYPopsUp on Twitter and Instagram for the latest. More information is available here.

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New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players Present ‘The Mikado’, Dec. 27-Jan. 5

Mellifluous mezzo Amy Maude Helfer as adventurous Pitti-Sing, soprano Sarah Caldwell Smith as self-aware Yum Yum and Rebecca Hargrove as maiden sister Peep-Bo in the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players’ “The Mikado.”

New York – Since its founding in 1974, the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP) has presented more than 2,000 performances of the Gilbert & Sullivan masterpieces throughout the United States, Canada and England, captivating audiences of all ages. America’s preeminent Gilbert & Sullivan Repertory Ensemble, continues its 45th season with its novel production of The Mikado, one of the most enduring musicals in theatrical history.

With 8 family friendly performances after Christmas, this production, which premiered to critical acclaim in December of 2016, will run at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues, Dec. 27, 2019 through Jan. 5, 2020.  Annual favorite special events include multi-generational Bring Your Grandparents Day (Dec. 30 – with pre and post show attractions) and Family Overture presentations before Saturday matinées (Dec. 28, Jan. 4 – musical introduction and plot summary made entertaining and free to all ticket holders).

The New York Times describes this production of The Mikado as “a comic gem” with “handsome designs, sharp acting and impressive singing.”

First performed at London’s Savoy Theatre in 1885, The Mikado pokes fun at topical aspects of Victorian society, but Gilbert & Sullivan cleverly cloak their satirical barbs behind a charming love story set in an imagined town in Japan, and NYGASP continues the time honored tradition of topical updating for a modern audience.  You’re sure to recognize someone on the “Lord High Executioner’s” comical list of people who “never would be missed”.

The show abounds with absurdity and astounding wit, clever wordplay, memorable tunes and endearing characters.  The romantic love story follows Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado (the Japanese emperor), who has fled his father’s court in disguise as a “Wand’ring Minstrel” to avoid marrying Katisha, an elderly suitor, and to find and marry his own beloved, the delicious maiden Yum-Yum, one of “Three Little Maids From School”. Yum-Yum, however, is the ward of Ko-Ko, the “Lord High Executioner”, and has become betrothed to him against her will.  As usual in a Gilbert & Sullivan imaginative plot, the tangled web unravels and everyone (well, almost everyone) lives happily ever after.

The NYGASP production features an original prologue that introduces the audience to the real life characters of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, which originated The Mikado in 1885 London, and emphasizes the work’s satire of human foibles and excesses that transcend generational and national bounds.  The comic opera will feature original choreography and direction by NYGASP Associate Stage Director David Auxier, who also authored the show’s prologue, and Assistant Direction by Broadway performer/director Kelvin Moon Loh.

The show’s cast includes: dynamic bass David Wannen in the title role; clever patter man David Macaluso as Sullivan and Ko-Ko; blustering Matthew Wages as Richard D’Oyly Carte and pompous Pooh-Bah; creative David Auxier as author Gilbert and town leader Pish-Tush; charming John Charles McLaughlin as romantic hero Nanki-Poo, formidable Caitlin Burke as lovelorn and overbearing Katisha; beautiful soprano Sarah Caldwell Smith as self-aware Yum Yum; Rebecca Hargrove as maiden sister Peep-Bo, and mellifluous mezzo Amy Maude Helfer as adventurous Pitti-Sing.

The production will showcase scenery designed by Anshuman Bhatia, costumes by Quinto Ott and lighting by Benjamin Weill.  The Mikado is produced by NYGASP Executive Director David Wannen.

NYGASP has been hailed as “the leading custodian of the G&S classics” by New York Magazine and has created its own special niche in the cultural mosaic of New York City and the nation.  According to the Company’s Founder/Artistic Director/General Manager Albert Bergeret, NYGASP’s mission is “giving vitality to the living legacy of Gilbert & Sullivan.” He further adds that “everyone loves The Mikado and our new production, with its celebrated premise of imagination, keeps the revered story alive and colorful.”  As for his own participation in the storied production Bergeret states “I’m delighted to once more be involved in elevating the humor and musical values of this evolving and very theatrical production, while alternating on the conductor’s podium with my colleague, Joseph Rubin, as part of NYGASP’s commitment to the future development of the Company”.

Performances:

Friday, Dec. 27, 2019 — 7:30 PM

Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019 — 2 PM* & 7:30 PM

Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 — 3 PM

Monday, Dec. 30, 2019 — 3 PM**

Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 — 2 PM* & 7:30 PM

Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020 — 3 PM

*Family Overture – Sat., Dec. 28 & Sat., Jan 4, at 12:45 PM (prior to the 2PM show) – Musical introduction and plot summary made entertaining for the entire family. Free to all ticket holders.

**Bring Your Grandparents Day – Monday, Dec. 30, at 1:45 PM – Respect your elders with a pre-show Family Overture and a backstage tour after the performance.

Ticket Prices

Orchestra: $95

Balcony: $50

Rear Balcony: $25

(Note: there is no elevator to the balcony)

Special Discounts:  50% off for children 12 and under accompanied by an adult. 10% off for seniors 65 and older.

Order by Phone:  212-772-4448

Order Online:  www.nygasp.org

Purchase in Person:  The Kaye Playhouse Box Office, 68^thStreet between Park and Lexington Avenues. (Box Office Hours: Monday-Friday 12 PM-7PM)

 

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Broadway Theaters Have Special Holiday Schedule to Accommodate Visitors

Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway © 2016 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

New York, NY — The holidays are a fabulous time to see a Broadway show. There are performances every day of the week at multiple curtain times to accommodate every schedule. During Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks, some shows are changing their performance schedules.

During Thanksgiving week, some shows will play on Thanksgiving Day, and many will play Friday matinees. Twelve shows will be playing on Christmas. During Christmas week, alternate curtain times will also include Friday matinees and evening performances. Check Broadway.org to see the holiday performance schedules and easily find out where and when shows are playing.

“It’s a joy to see a Broadway show during the festive winter holidays,” says Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League. “Alternate curtain times – including special matinees and evening performances – provide a variety of opportunities to better accommodate the changing schedules of theatregoers throughout Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks.”

For complete holiday schedule, go to broadway.org.

Broadway Performance Times for Thanksgiving Week

Broadway Performance Times for Christmas Week

 

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Broadway Theater Accommodates Holiday Goers With Special Schedules

Broadway theaters are accommodation visitors with special schedules during the holiday season 

New York, NY — The holidays are a perfect time to see a show. Broadway performs every day of the week at multiple curtain times to accommodate every schedule, including holidays.

During Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks, some shows are changing their performance schedules. Alternate curtain times – including special matinees and evening performances – provide a variety of opportunities to better accommodate the changing schedules of theatregoers throughout holiday weeks.

“With this season’s diverse assortment of new and classic musicals and plays, you’ll see signing, singing, rapping, tapping, and rocking out! Our stories are about historical, fictional, and even canine characters. There is an abundance of show choices and a variety of curtain times available to make planning your Broadway holiday gift list even easier,” says Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League. “Broadway performs every day of the week at multiple curtain times so you can see the perfect show at the perfect time, especially during the holidays.”

Some shows will play on Thanksgiving Day, and many shows will play Friday matinees that week. During Christmas week, in addition to some Christmas Eve and Christmas Day performances, alternate curtain times include Sunday matinees and evening performances. Check Broadway.org to see the holiday performance schedules and easily find out where and when shows are playing.

FOR COMPLETE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE, GO TO BROADWAY.ORG

Broadway Performance Times for Thanksgiving Week

Broadway Performance Times for Christmas Week

BROADWAY.ORG is the official one-stop destination for Broadway tickets and information in New York City, across North America, and internationally. The site provides up-to-date show and theatre information in eight languages, a guide to hotel and dining options in Manhattan’s Theatre District, and general information about Broadway theatre-going. It provides access to show tickets at all price points to current and upcoming shows, direct from the theatres’ official ticketing offices.

BROADWAY.ORG features a deep integration between the New York City and touring shows. Site users can locate theatres across North America where Broadway shows are playing, and link to their official sites for more information. If they are on the page for a Broadway show, they will also be able to easily view its upcoming tour stops both in North America and internationally; and when on the page for a show on tour, will be able to see that it is also playing in New York and get information on that production.

London has its own information page and the listings are highlighted on the international page and the international tab on the show pages.

The website includes an associated mobile site and mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Visit www.BroadwayLeague.com, or follow The Broadway League on Twitter @TheBwayLeague or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BroadwayLeague. BROADWAY.ORG is the League’s official on-line headquarters for Broadway in NYC, on tour, and internationally. Download the free Broadway.org mobile app for iOS or Android, and the free IBDB mobile app for iOS or Android.

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Get Insider Access for Exclusive Deals & Discounts to Hit Broadway Shows through Broadway.com

Times Square, New York City © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Theatergoers can now access group purchasing power for insider deals to top Broadway shows through Broadway.com/Groups.  The leading resource for group theater ticket sales and Broadway experiences, Broadway.com/Groups is offering special group rates for some of the most celebrated Broadway shows this spring through the winter months.

To re-visit a favorite classic, or for those that have yet to see some of Broadway’s most acclaimed musicals, Broadway.com/Groups is offering ticket specials to see the Tony-award winning crooners from Jersey Boys, the unforgettably wild-world of The Lion King, and the pop-musical Mamma Mia!, featuring songs from ABBA, among others.

Current Broadway.com/Groups specials include:

• Book the Early Bird special for The Addams Family with tickets starting as low as $52 at select performances May 10-October 30, paid in full by May 6, 2011 groups of 12 or more.  Additionally, this family-friendly musical will be debuting a Monday night curtain July 11-September 4, 2011.
• For Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening performances, Mary Poppins offers groups of 15 or more prices starting at $42 for rear Mezzanine and balcony seats, $52 for mid Mezzanine seats and $62 for Orchestra & Front Mezzanine seats.  Offer is available for shows August 23-November 20, paid 30 days prior to performance date.  In addition, receive one complimentary ticket for the first 20 paid tickets, or three complimentary tickets for 51 tickets purchased (Max. 3).
• Rear Mezzanine seats start at $67, with all other seats starting at $87 for The Lion King.  Offer available for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings and Sunday matinee performances August 27-November 20.  Group minimum starts at 15 and payment is due 45 days prior to performance.  In addition, receive one complimentary ticket for the first 20 paid tickets, or three complimentary tickets for 51 tickets purchased (Max. 3).
• From September 5-December 18, Orchestra & Front Mezzanine seats start at $76.50 with rear Mezzanine starting at $42 for the scandalously delightful Chicago. Specials are available for groups of 10 or more for any performance, except Saturday evenings.
• Mega-hit musical Jersey Boys offers groups of 15 or more incredible discounts with tickets available for as low as $56 for most performances, select Orchestra seats as low as $62 and $43 for student groups this fall.  This Fall Sale is available for weekday performances September 6-October 30 and must be paid in full by July 31, 2011.
• Sing and dance to ABBA at Mamma Mia! with tickets starting at $57 for rear Mezzanine seats and $75 for Orchestra & Front Mezzanine seats.  Offer available for groups of 15 or more, Monday-Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinees throughout 2011.

These and other shows are also featured on the group sales booking widget for travel buyers to promote and sell the most popular Broadway shows directly on their own website.

Additionally, for any last-minute planners, Broadway.com/Groups recently introduced their “Last Minute Stock” page featuring inventory of some of the hottest Broadway shows only a few days or weeks in advance of the show date.  Visit www.broadway.com/groups/last-minute for current “Last Minute Stock” being offered.  In order to purchase tickets, the buyer must adhere to group minimums as set by each show.  To determine a show’s group minimum, please visit the shows page and see the “Minimum # of Tickets” column.

For more information on show information and to book these exclusive offers, visit www.broadway.com/groups.  Restrictions and black-out dates may apply. Broadway.com/Groups advises to book early to ensure availability for these special offers.