Review: GILBERT AND SULLIVAN IN CHATHAM Guarantees Evening of Fun

The Chatham Drama Guild, Chatham's own community theater group which brings a variety of entertaining performances to its audiences each year, presents Gilbert and Sullivan in Chatham: a musical revue dedicated to bringing forth an appreciation (or perhaps an even greater one depending on how familiar you are with the pair's works) of Gilbert and Sullivan works well and lesser-known alike.

Actors at the Guild, many of whose familiar faces appear once again this time around, have brought many such past revues to life, giving audiences the chance to enjoy a pleasant, entertaining night out while giving the chance to become privy to different music and composers that may have otherwise gone unacknowledged. Gilbert and Sullivan, for me, is one such performance. Not being incredibly familiar with all of their works, what this performance did for me (and I'm sure many present that night) was not only establish a sense of familiarity with their operas and the stories they tell, but also to set a certain mood for the musical expression that is essentially Gilbert and Sullivan.

This lovely presentation and eclectic mix of songs from a variety of the duo's works provides for a simple and enjoyable time at the theater without the need for a single plot to consume the story. Instead, audiences can simply watch and come to understand why the influence of Gilbert and Sullivan has so remained so prevalent in our world today.

Conceived and directed by Eric Spitz (who, as is confidently stated on the program, from the start believed that his cast could pull off such a feat as putting together this revue), Gilbert and Sullivan in Chatham gives a well-rounded perspective of everything that is Gilbert and Sullivan. Gilbert, who wrote the words while Sullivan composed the music, became influential components in shaping musical theatre throughout the twentieth century, even though their works are more operatic in their nature. From the plots of their operas coming to life through the narrative moments happening before each medley is performed, to the spirit with which the actors sing of their extreme joys and sorrows, there is a rather tender quality about this revue that makes audiences want to keep watching and listening and basically remain part of what is being experienced.

The cast is a talented bunch that gives a lighthearted air to this act of storytelling that constitutes a revue, and since this revue is essentially a myriad of moments which bring forth the magic of Gilbert and Sullivan's collective genius, there is really little else for the audience to do but have a wonderful time at the theater while also simply appreciating the honest efforts given on the Guild's stage.

This revue truly does a nice job bringing a beautiful collection of songs from many of Gilbert and Sullivan's works to a Cape Cod audience of any age, especially those who have an appreciation of beautiful music and storytelling. The show is divided into two acts, the songs of two or three operas being covered in each. Narrator Scott Hamilton stands before the audience and introduces each scene before it happens, providing information about both the show and a premise as to what is happening in each scene to follow.

The first act begins with H.M.S. Pinafore, a comic opera that tells the story of Josephine, the Captain's engaged daughter who falls in love with Ralph Rackstraw, a lowly sailor. Following this is The Pirates of Penzance, from which everyone knows at least a tune or two and which tells the story of the young Frederic and his apprenticeship with a gang of pirates. From this comedic opera come songs like "I Am A Pirate King," "Poor Wandering One" and "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General" - the last one of the most famous patter songs written. Act Two begins with The Mikado, which tells the tale of Nanki-Poo, Yum-Yum, Ko-ko in the midst of a rather intricate plot blossoming with love, death and the unexpected. Next is medley from Yeomen of the Guard followed by The Gondoliers, the latter which the entertaining "Cachucha" comes from. The revue ends with a beautiful company bow, releasing the audience back into a world that offers even further opportunity to see what else Gilbert and Sullivan has to offer.

Special mention must go out to all of the actors and creative team/crew members involved in creating Gilbert and Sullivan in Chatham. As each alternates between characters depending on the story being told, everyone did their absolute best in not only telling the story, but also to adopt each role adapted and thus bringing the emotions evoked in the songs heightened that much more. The cast includes Josette Goff, Scott Hamilton, Pam Banas, Pirate Moll (Musical Director), James O'Neill, Len Solomon, Lyn Solomon, Rachel Solomon and Dawn Spitz. Banas on costumes also rose to the challenge of making this show visually appealing by means of the costumes worn, while Rachel Banas did a great job with lights.

The Chatham Drama Guild is located right in the heart of Chatham at 134 Crowell Road, so please find your way there to see the show. Gilbert and Sullivan in Chatham is only here for a limited run, so here are your chances to catch the show. Performance dates/times are as follows: June 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 9th @8PM and July 3rd and 10th @4PM. Tickets are $20 ($15 for students) and may be purchased by calling the box office at (508) 945.0510. Please visit chatdramaguild.org for more information about the group and all upcoming events, including CDG's upcoming production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Come and support a wonderful community theater and enjoy the show!

Photo Credit: Donald Howell

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