Photo courtesy of Lake George Opera |
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Gilbert & Sullivan: The Pirates of Penzance Gerard Floriano will conduct the full orchestra and cast of internationally-recognized singers in this timeless and popular Gilbert & Sullivan comedy. Performances are on September 24th and 26th at the new Penfield High School Auditorium. Mercury Opera Rochester’s first Gilbert & Sullivan production will have dramatic direction by Bill Fabris. The roles of Mabel and Frederic will be sung by young upcoming American singers Sarah Calinan, soprano, and Brandon McReynolds, tenor. With favorites Kathryn Cowdrick (Suzuki in Madama Butterfly, Julia Child in Bon Appétit!) as Ruth and John Davies (Leporello in Don Giovanni, Dr. Grenvil in La Traviata) as the Major General, this production promises to be exciting and hysterically funny, with the high production values you’ve come to expect from Mercury Opera Rochester. Additional cast members include Duane McDevitt as the Pirate King, Jimi James (Bartolo in The Barber of Seville) as the Sergeant, and Andrew Gilchrist as Samuel. The Mercury Opera Rochester Chorus will also play a large role in the production as pirates, daughters of the Major General, and policemen. The story concerns Frederic, who, having completed his 21st year, is released from his apprenticeship to a band of tenderhearted pirates. He meets Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley, and the two young people fall instantly in love. Frederic finds out, however, that he was born on February 29, and so, technically, he only has a birthday each leap year. His apprenticeship indentures state that he remains apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday, and so he must serve for another 63 years. Mabel agrees to wait for him faithfully. Of course all ends well, after many shenanigans. As part of Mercury Opera Rochester’s first collaboration with Penfield High School, the company will be providing master classes, some performance opportunities, and technical theatre experience for the students. |