THE HANGOVER REPORT – The rechristened MasterVoices produces a sparkling PIRATES

IMG_4495Last night I was treated to a sparkling concert performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance (or the Slave of Duty) at City Center, courtesy of the recently rechristened MasterVoices, formerly known as The Collegiate Chorale. Artistic director Ted Sperling has done a fabulous job of assembling an all-star cast from the worlds of opera and Broadway, as well as staging an unfussy, hilariously broad performance of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic.

The casting was inspired, and it was clear they were having a great time performing the piece. It was tremendous fun seeing opera superstar Deborah Voigt let loose in the role of Ruth. The boyishly handsome Hunter Parrish and lovely Julia Udine made for a refreshingly age-appropriate, dreamy-eyed pair of lovers. Tony-winner Douglas Hodge and Phillip Boykin hilariously made the respective roles of Major General Stanley and the Pirate King their own. Mr. Hodge’s hapless Major General, in particular, was a delight and his rendition of “I Am the Very Model Of A Modern Major-General” oozed character and wit, bringing down the house. David Garrison winningly returned to the role of the Sergeant of Police he created in the celebrated NY Shakespeare Festival revival. The luxurious casting also included Broadway stars Betsy Wolfe and Montego Glover in the bit parts of Edith and Kate.

Mr. Sperling also conducted and drew a near perfect performance from the esteemed Orchestra of St. Luke’s. I don’t think I’ve heard Sullivan’s music played so lightly and effortlessly, yet with so much care (the concert used Arthur Sullivan’s original orchestrations). The chorus sang the score beautifully with great warmth.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

 

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (OR THE SLAVE OF DUTY)
Opera / Off-Broadway, Musical
MasterVoices at New York City Center
2 hours, 25 minutes (with one intermission)
One more performance tonight

Categories: Broadway, Music, Opera, Theater

Leave a Reply