The H.M.S. Pinafore Sets Sail With The Shreveport Opera
Last night, I was lucky enough to be invited to the final dress rehearsal of The Shreveport Opera's production of Gilbert And Sullivan's "H.M.S. Pinafore" featuring The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra. What a treat it was!
First off, let me tell you that I'm not an opera goer. But Gilbert And Sullivan operas are easy to digest for those who aren't regular fans. They are all in English, they are all easy to follow with interesting story lines, and they are all uproariously funny. "Pinafore" is no exception, and The Shreveport Opera handled it spectacularly.
The Shreveport Opera's website will tell you that:
H.M.S. PINAFORE is a hilarious operetta from that famous team of favorites, Gilbert and Sullivan. The story takes place aboard the British ship H.M.S. Pinafore where a navy captain’s daughter, Josephine, falls in love with a lower-class sailor instead of her father’s choice, the First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Joseph Porter. This charming story pokes fun at the Royal Navy, parliamentary politics and the rise of unqualified people to positions of authority. H.M.S. PINAFORE is filled with memorable music and a surprise twist.
Starring Stephen Quint as Sir Joseph Porter, Christian Bowers as Captain Corcoran, Suzanne Grogan as Josephine, and John Riesen as Ralph Rackstraw, H.M.S. Pinafore is a feast for the eyes as well as the ears! The set is magnificent, the costumes are amazing, and each singer handles Gilbert's lyrics with seeming ease. If you know anything about Gilbert's writing style, you're aware of the sheer number of words a character must spit out, and everyone in the cast nails it.
The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra is providing the music for the show, and they are, as always, perfection.
If you're a fan of opera, musical theatre, or just good old fashioned comedies, you should make plans to see H.M.S. Pinafore!
The Shreveport Opera Presents:
Gilbert and Sullivan's: "H.M.S. Pinafore"
Directed by Dean Anthony
Featuring The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Jerome Shannon
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 7:30PM at The Riverview Theatre
Sung in English with English subtitles projected above the stage.
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