NY Gilbert & Sullivan Players Announce G&S Fest 2008

America?s foremost Gilbert & Sullivan repertory ensemble, the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, is proud to announce its new ?G&S Fest 2008,? a festival of Gilbert & Sullivan productions featuring an unprecedented number of shows in one season slated January 4-15th and June 6-15th on the great stage of New York?s historic City Center (West 55th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues). Under the artistic and music direction of Albert Bergeret, the company has presented over 2,600 performances throughout the United States, Canada, and England.  "Incorporating a 25-piece orchestra, the productions feature contemporary energy while retaining a traditional respect for each of the G & S masterpieces," state press notes.

G & S Fest 2008 is the product of many years and many people.  ?We could not do this without the collective experience of the Company?s many talented artists and the support of our local patrons, both as ticket buyers and financial contributors? said Mr. Bergeret.

G&S Fest 2008 will kick off with its winter selections on January 4 with Princess Ida followed by The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and a one night only evening of Trial By Jury plus a revue - G & S à la Carte!. The NYGASP productions are performed under the baton of Albert Bergeret, who also serves as stage director.  A sampling of the season?s casting includes NYGASP veteran actors in the following roles: The Pirates of Penzance features Stephen Quint as Major General Stanley, Keith Jurosko as The Sergeant of Police, Laurelyn Watson Chase as Mabel, Ross Crutchlow as The Pirate King, and Angela Smith as Ruth.

Princess Ida features Keith Jurosko as King Hildebrand, Michael Scott Harris as Cyril, Stephen Quint as King Gama, Dianna Dollman as Lady Blanche, and Kimberly Bennett as Melissa.

Trial by Jury features David Wannen as The Usher, Laurelyn Watson Chase as The Plaintiff, Michael Scott Harris as The Defendant, Richard Holmes as The Counsel, and Stephen Quint as The Learned Judge.  (All casting subject to change.)

The summer component continues on June 6 with H.M.S. Pinafore, followed by The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and The Gondoliers. A sampling of the season?s casting includes NYGASP veteran actors in the following roles: H.M.S. Pinafore with Stephen Quint as Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B., Keith Jurosko and Richard Holmes as the Captain, Angela Smith as Little Buttercup, and Louis Dall?Ava as Dick Dead-Eye; The Pirates of Penzance with David Wannen as The Sergeant of Police, Laurelyn Watson as Mabel, Colm Fitzmaurice as Frederic, Stephen Quint as Major General Stanley; The Mikado with Keith Jurosko as The Mikado, Laurelyn Watson Chase as Yum-Yum, and Louis Dall?Ava as Pooh-Bah; The Gondoliers with Erika Person as Tessa, Stephen Quint as The Duke of Plaza Toro, and Keith Jurosko as Don Alhambra. (All Casting is subject to change)

The NYGASP productions will have costumes designed by Gail J. Wofford; lights designed by Sally Small, and scenery by Mr. Bergeret.

Audiences of all ages will enjoy the NYGASP Family Overture series of entertaining and informative pre-show musical introductions and plot summaries. Hosted by Artistic Director Albert Bergeret, these interactive and fun-filled presentations are offered on  Jan.5th at 12:45 for Pirates; Jan. 6th at 1:45 for Ida; Jan 12th at 12:45 for Mikado; June 7th at 12:45 for Pirates; June 8th at 1:45 for Pinafore; June 14th at 12:45 for Mikado and June 15th  at 1:45 for Gondoliers. Your matinee admission is your ticket to Family Overture!

Tickets range in price from $96 to $40.  (Children 12 or under: half price when accompanied by an adult, 10% Senior discount on $80, $60 and $40 seats) . More information and tickets can be obtained through the City Center box office and by phoning CityTix (212) 581-1212 or log on to www.nycitycenter.org.

Photo by Michael A. Nemeth - Albert Bergeret (R) directs company members