The 'star' of H.M.S. Pinafore, Fred C. Adams, former executive director of the festival himself..
H.M.S Pinafore
Gilbert & Sullivan do it again!
Delightful from beginning to end! I rarely laugh at anything these days, the cynicism of our time has so crept into my soul. But along comes H.M.S. Pinafore to blast that cynicism away with its innocence and purity. This Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta written in the 1870's, but set in 1840, takes you back to a time when life was simple. When life was about love and innocence and what size bell you'll ring next. Who says that silly humor can't be funny? It's the funniest of all in my mind. I think we need that more than ever in our day. It's strange how something from 130 years ago can stike such a chord in audiences today. I was not the on ly one laughing. Thanks to Director Brad... who added his own touch - a tribute to Ethel Merman, the 'water ballet' in the middle and the end of the operetta, had me crying I was laughing so hard. Former Executive Director of the Shakespearean Festival, Fred C. Adams was a natural as the self-important Admiral, "Lord of the Water!" The Captain, who 'never gets sick at sea' - "Never? Well, hardly ever.." was fantastic as the noble Captain of the Pinafore. His lovely daughter played by Jane... educated at Cornell, was magnificent as the love-lorn daughter of the Captain of the Pinafore, who alas - loved below her class. But who is to say what the heart dictates? And - her voice - as harmonic as the sea itself.
These are the kinds of things Gilbert and Sullivan brought up during Victorian England - a time of class and convention - but brought it up in such a way that it would offend no one. Fancy that, bringing up the truths of culture in the face of a Queen and still not offending anyone! Free speech at its finest! Those are the kinds of values we so desperately need in our day. If we see something wrong in our society, we should not be afraid to say something about it, yet if we can express it in a creative and inspirational way to make people laugh, all the better! Gilbert and Sullivan succeeded at this so well that their work has expanded well beyond their own century.
Who says that music and movement can't be perfectly timed and matched to create a balance and harmony that orders and calms one's mind and sets your mind and humour free? Silly you say? I think not! Neo-clasical art at its best!
Highly recommended piece of work! You must see this one! Up against Hamlet at the Festival, also a noteworthy and powerful performance, stay more than one day. As they say at the festival, "come again and come often."
Oh, I will... I will...
A photo of a costume from a previous Shakespearean play. Much care and precision goes into constructing a costume at the festival.
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