Mezzo-soprano Margaret Gawrysiak as Little Buttercup and baritone Christopher Burchett as Captain Corcoran in Virginia Opera’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s "H.M.S. Pinafore."
Fresh as ever in a world in which "things are seldom what they seem" the irreverent comic musical, "H.M.S. Pinafore" from the franchise of Gilbert and Sullivan will soon dock at the Center for the Arts. It is helmed by the Virginia Opera.
While first setting sail in 1878, "Pinafore" remains a cultural touch stone today with its charm and its bright humor. Even the television hit comedy "How I Married Your Mother" used references from "Pinafore" in an episode this year.
"'H.M.S. Pinafore' is a wonderful combination of ingredients including music, movement, dance and singing," said director Nicola Bowie. "Gilbert and Sullivan are marrying irony and satire together in order to poke fun at the establishment of the time and the British Navy." And the pokes remain fresh as ever.
In a recent interview, Bowie indicated, "This is not stand up and sing type opera production." There is plenty of spirited choreography for the over 30 member cast along with unstoppable toe-tapping tunes.
Principal Conductor Adam Turner will provide the musical direction for the Virginia Opera Orchestra of 30 through a jaunty score of nearly two dozen songs.
Margaret Gawrysiak plays a key role as Little Buttercup. Her love interest, Sir Joseph Porter is opera veteran Jake Gardner. For Gawrysiak, "Pinafore" has a lovely story line about having "a crush on someone who you think is unattainable. Haven't we all been in love with someone we think we can't have because of their status?" In "Pinafore" a topsy-turvy world can lead to many unexpected turns.
Where and When
Virginia Opera presents Gilbert and Sullivan's "H.M.S. Pinafore" performed in English at the George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Ave., Fairfax. Performances: Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Pre-performance discussion free to ticketholders, held 45 minutes prior to each performance. Tickets: Friday, Dec. 5 are $44 to $86 and Saturday, Dec. 6 are $48 to $98. Youth Discount: tickets are half price for youth through grade 12. Call 888-945-2468 or visit http://cfa.gmu.edu">cfa.gmu.edu.
Romantic leads include opera leading lights soprano Shannon Jennings (as Josephine) and tenor Cullen Gandy (as Ralph Rackstraw). The large cast and chorus includes members of Virginia Opera’s Emerging Artists Program.
As a special luxury, the "Pinafore" performances will also provide the opportunity for patrons to view an exhibition titled “Pinafore Craze in America 1878-1879” with original memorabilia from the earliest productions of "H.M.S. Pinafore." The artifacts are from George Mason University benefactors David and Annabelle Stone, who are giving their collection of treasured Gilbert and Sullivan memorabilia to the Mason Libraries’ Special Collections.
As "Pinafore" lyrics and situations go, "never mind the why and wherefore" at least "never, well hardly ever." Enjoy the buoyant fun of Gilbert and Sullivan. It promises to be a flying circus of appealing musical satire as patrons embrace the bright side of life.