Gordon in the News: last updated 01/30/2012
photos by Rebecca Wolseley '12
Two performances of the classic Gilbert & Sullivan operetta H.M.S. Pinafore took place at Gordon College over the weekend, combining the talents of the Departments of Music and of Theatre Arts.
Featuring a 24-piece orchestra and cast of 34 singing sailors, cousins, sisters and aunts, it was an operetta about love between different social classes. With two ardent young lovers, a ship captain who’s “hardly ever” seasick, and the Lord of the Navy—who's never been to sea—it was a wonderful blend of humor, irresistible tunes and wry social commentary.
Jeff Miller (professor of theatre arts) was the director, and the music was directed by Michael Monroe (assistant professor of music). “Gilbert and Sullivan remind us why we love the fine confection of clever lyric, soaring melody and harmony,” said Miller. “What's fun about an operetta is how the music enriches the subtext in such immediate ways. Composition opens clues to characters and becomes a guide raising the importance and status of the moment.” Gilbert and Sullivan productions "smartly marry text and melody while simultaneously skewering the political, sociological and artistic trends of the day,” said Miller.
This was the second Gilbert & Sullivan operetta collaboration between the two performance arts programs at the College—last year’s showings of Pirates of Penzance also filled the seats of Gordon's 1000+ seat chapel. “There are real advantages to drawing on the strengths of both departments since these shows have their musical roots in the world of opera but also anticipate the lively theatrical style of Broadway musical theater,” said Monroe, who created an orchestra of both students and orchestra mentors for the production. “The music department was able to provide an orchestra and experienced choral singers, while the theatre arts department brought experienced actors and expertise in stagecraft. I loved seeing how students from both departments were stretched in new directions by this interdisciplinary performance relationship.”
CAST, PRODUCTION STAFF AND ORCHESTRA
CAST:
| Josephine: Ralph Rackstraw: Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B.: Captain Corcoran: Buttercup: Dick Deadeye: Cousin Hebe: Bill Bobstay: Bob Becket: |
Abby Booth John Cunningham Ryan Coil Taylor Nelson Olivia King George Merusi Kelsey Langness Wesley Newcomb Jon Alvarado |
Sir Joseph's Sisters, Cousins and Aunts:
Cynthia Altsman, Kelsie Davidson, Ariana Denardo, Sarah Hand, Emily Hutchings, Danielle Johnson, Kari Mayne, Christiana McMullen, Rachael Morrisey, Abigail Nelson, Katie Percuoco, Avery Peterman, Eliscia Picard, Rachel Reed, Erica Roark, Micaela Slaeker, Mary Speta, Chelsea Thompson, Marie Ware, Tessa White, Thais Ziegenhals
Sailors:
David Alvarado, Cristin Gordon, Rebekah Jordan, Jon Lewis, Luke Miller, Luke Padilla, Chris Preyer, Jonathan Rowe, Carl Schultz, Jonmichael Tarleton, Alessio Tranchell, Chris Vigneau, Benjamin Wright
|
Director |
Jeffrey S. Miller |
| Choreography Assistant Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager |
Cristin Gordon Samuel Dennis Arielle Cimino Geena Santiago |
| Master Carpenter Carpenter |
Tyrel Borowitz Luke Miller Bekah Jordan |
| Painter | Corinne Grant Thais Ziegenhals |
| Prop Master First-hand Stitchers |
Ashely Doucette Katharine Adamyk Jasmine Myers |
| Stitchers | Kristin Bollier Natalie Miller Erin Montoya Erica Roark Kenny Smith Elissa Sundet Cassie West |
| Wardrobe Spotlight Operator |
Amelia Haas Ellex Medina Ashley Doucette |
| Lightboard Operator | Dan Campoblanco |
| Violin I
Melissa Bull Di Gaetano* Violin II Viola Cello Bass Flute |
Oboe
Emma Gibbins Clarinet Bassoon Horn Trumpet Trombone Percussion |
* denotes guest artist
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
| ARMY BARRACKS of Salem C. Thomas Brooks Leo Cleary Anita Coco Alice Dennis Andrew Gobiel Lynn Hand |
Andrew Hoover Mary Miller Priscilla Nelson Karen and Jill Rogati Nathan Skinner Joan Wendt |
