THE HANGOVER REPORT – New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players brings back its charming and infectiously-pitched production of H.M.S. PINAFORE

David Auxier, James Mills, and Victoria Devany in New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players’ production of “H.M.S. Pinafore” at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (photo by Danny Bristoll).

Earlier this month at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players wrapped up its holiday run of H.M.S. Pinafore. The frivolous piece takes place onboard a British naval vessel after which the operetta is titled. Over the course of the evening, sailors, sisters, cousins, and aunts romp through a light-hearted plot involving a forbidden romance, mistaken identities, and a good dose of pomp and circumstance. As the duo’s first international hit, H.M.S. Pinafore features all the irresistible trappings of a Gilbert and Sullivan classic.

Arguably no other company on this side of the Atlantic “gets” Gilbert and Sullivan as keenly as New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (the company is lovingly known simply by its acronym, NYGASP). Upon fist glance, NYGASP’s productions – including this one of H.M.S. Pinafore – may seem stubbornly traditional, complete with quaint yet creaky sets and stock costumes. But look more closely, and you’ll see the extent to which the folks at the company are acquainted with the creators’ brand of satire, at times boldly altering Gilbert’s libretto to attain the intended level of hilarity.

As usual, the NYGASP production has been lovingly directed by Albert Bergeret. All around, the cast has a jolly good time with the material. Standouts among the cast include James Mills Sir Joseph Porter, Michelle Seipel as the captain’s daughter Josephine, and Angela Christine Smith as Little Buttercup – all of whom infectiously pitch the material, singing and acting with winning charm. At the performance I attended, the 25-piece orchestra played under the baton of associate conductor Joseph Rubin, who gave Sullivan’s score a spritely treatment.

RECOMMENDED

H.M.S. PINAFORE
Opera
New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players / The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College
2 hours, 30 minutes (with one intermission)
Closed

Categories: Music, Off-Broadway, Opera, Other Music, Theater

Leave a Reply