New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players Present HMS Pinafore Dec 30-31, Jan 7-8

The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players cast of H.M.S. Pinafore, performing at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College Dec. 30-31, 2022 and Jan. 7-8, 2023 (photo by William Reynolds)

New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP) 48^th season continues December 30-31, 2022 and January 7 -8, 2023 with the mounting of a Gilbert & Sullivan staple, H.M.S. Pinafore; or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (East 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues). 

“I always voted at my party’s call and I never thought of thinking for myself at all.”  This line sounds like something out of last week’s Washington Post, but no, it’s front and center in a satirical patter song from the Gilbert & Sullivan classic H.M.S. Pinafore – proving once again how relevant this timeless send up of personal and institutional excess remains.  All Gilbert & Sullivan works make us laugh at ourselves in entertaining, endearing, and relatable fashion, but none more succinctly than H.M.S. Pinafore.

As the first rollicking hit of the G&S collaboration, H.M.S. Pinafore charted a new course for modern musical theater and its lampooning of overblown nationalism, party politics, class distinction, and classic melodrama still rings true, while Sullivan’s quasi nautical score is equally clever at parodying the classics.  It’s little wonder that the NYGASP production includes a few ad lib references to relevant contemporary matters while staying true to the enduring values and traditions of the original.

The cast includes patter man James Mills as party loyal Sir Joseph Porter of the above mentioned quote, David Auxier as Captain Corcoran who’s “never, never sick at sea”, soprano Michelle Seipel as his beautiful but conflicted daughter Josephine, Angela Christine Smith as the “plump and pleasing” peddler lady Little Buttercup, Cameron Smith as romantic and noble sailor Ralph Rackstraw, Victoria Devany as the annoying leader of Sir Joseph’s “sisters and his cousins and his aunts”, Lance Olds as the voice of the ugly truth seaman Dick Deadeye, Matthew Wages as the stalwart Boatswain Bill Bobstay, and David Wannen as the ship’s Carpenter. 

The ensemble of Sailors and First Lord’s Sisters, Cousins and Aunts include: Caitlin Borek, Brooke Collins, Michael Connolly, Michael Galante, Hannah Holmes, Sarah Hutchison, Claire Leyden, David Macaluso, Daniel Z. Miller, Logan Pitts, Chris-Ian Sanchez, Nathan Seldin, Laura Sudduth, and Laurelyn Watson-Chase. Founder and Artistic Director Albert Bergeret shares the conductor’s podium with Associate Conductor Joseph Rubin.

Performances schedule: 

December 30, 2022 at 2:00pm* & 7:30pm 

December 31, 2022 at 2:00pm 

January 7, 2023 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm  

January 8, 2023 at 3:00pm 

*Special Family Matinee, Bring Your Grandparents! All persons 40 years of age and under are eligible to purchase any available seat for $30.

Tickets begin at $30. For more information and to purchase visit: www.nygasp.org/.

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

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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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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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