The Guthrie Theater's splash-hit production of Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore boasts new musical arrangements by Andrew Cooke that borrow inspiration from disco, jazz and rock opera, which he argues help modern audiences appreciate the humor in the libretto. Captained by Guthrie Artistic Director Joe Dowling, and featuring "sumptuous costumes" by Fabio Toblini and "arresting choreography" by David Bolger, the Guthrie's production of H.M.S. Pinafore has entertained audiences and critics alike with its "continuous parade of stunning song-and-dance sequences." The creative team also includes Frank Hallinan Flood (Set Designer), Malcolm Rippeth (Lighting Designer) and Scott W. Edwards (Sound Designer).
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Guthrie gives ‘Pinafore' a modern twist
Minnesota Public Radio "Morning Edition" (August 16, 2011)
You wonder what Gilbert and Sullivan might say if they were alive to see the new production of "H.M.S. Pinafore" currently playing at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. The British operetta premiered in 1878, but the Guthrie's interpretation of Arthur Sullivan's score has a distinctly modern flavor.
"[Sullivan] was admittedly writing for an 1878 audience. So his arrangements were up to date for that time period," music director Andrew Cooke explained. "We said, 'let's try something for a 2011 audience.'" Cooke stayed faithful to the original melodies, but his new arrangements borrow inspiration from disco, jazz and especially rock opera.
A straight-laced number like "Things are seldom what they seem" becomes a lush tango. "My gallant crew, good morning" gets a rock beat and a Jerry Lee Lewis keyboard part. Purists have protested. Cooke said during one performance a woman got out of her seat five minutes into the show, went over to a Guthrie staffer and demanded he "put on the real music."
Cooke says he's gotten plenty of compliments, too. He argues the updated arrangements help modern audiences appreciate the humor in W.S. Gilbert's libretto.
"If anything, having a little comedic play with the music underlines and highlights some of those jokes," Cooke said. "It gives the actors a chance to also bring things in that are a bit more contemporary than staying tied to a 19th century point of view."
"H.M.S. Pinafore" plays through August 28 on the Guthrie's Wurtele Thrust Stage. A recording of the production will air on public television stations around the country on Oct. 14. The broadcast will be part of the PBS Arts Fall Festival, featuring performances from around the country.
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PBS recently announced that the Guthrie production of H.M.S. Pinafore will open the nine-part PBS Arts Fall Festival of performing arts programming on Friday, October 14, 2011, 9:00 p.m. ET on PBS. H.M.S. Pinafore will kick off an exciting lineup on Friday nights through mid-December, including the broadcast debut of Cameron Crowe's documentary music film "Pearl Jam Twenty," dance performance films from Bill T. Jones, Miami City Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, rock and Americana music programs from Cleveland and North Carolina, and a major new opera from LA Opera.
The cast of this splash-hit musical is led by Twin Cities actor/singers Robert O. Berdahl and Christina Baldwin as Captain Corcoran and Little Buttercup, respectively. Joining the pair on the ship's deck are Aleks Knezevich (Ralph Rackstraw), Seri Johnson (Cousin Hebe), Heather Lindell (Josephine), Jason Simon (Dick Deadeye) and J. Tyler Whitmer (Bob Becket) - all five making their Guthrie debuts - in addition to Robb McKindles (Bill Bobstay) and Peter Thomson (Sir Joseph Porter). Guthrie favorite Barbara Bryne (Broadway: Sunday in the Park with George, Hay Fever, Into the Woods) hops aboard for a special appearance as Queen Victoria, courtesy of new material by Jeffrey Hatcher, as was also notably done during the Guthrie's 2004 staging of The Pirates of Penzance. The Guthrie cast also feature sailors Joseph Bigelow, Nathan Bird, Nathaniel Braga, Alfie Parker, Jr., Adrian Pena, Adam Sarette, Brian Skellenger and Brian Sostek, and sisters/cousins/aunts Lauren Asheim, Timotha Lanae, Molly Sue McDonald, Tinia Moulder, Simone Perrin and Kersten Rodau. Adam Lendermon, Nicholas McGough and Laura Rudolph round out the company as swings.
Director Joe Dowling helms a creative team that also includes Andrew Cooke (Music Direction and Arrangements), Frank Hallinan Flood (Set Designer), Malcolm Rippeth (Lighting Designer) and Scott W. Edwards (Sound Designer).
The story takes place aboard a British ship, where Captain Corcoran's (Berdahl) daughter, Josephine (Lindell), has fallen in love with an ordinary sailor, Ralph Rackstraw (Knezevich). As the crew works to get things shipshape for the arrival of Sir Joseph Porter (Thomson), Corcoran's choice for a more sophisticated suitor for his daughter, Josephine decides initially to abide by her father's wishes and marry him. Conventional social order is quickly overturned, however, when Sir Joseph arrives and advocates for the equality of humankind. With a change of heart, Josephine declares her love for the ordinary sailor and the two - through the help of the crew, sisters, cousins and aunts - make plans to elope that night. When the captain discovers the plot, a surprise disclosure, as is typical of many Gilbert and Sullivan's works, changes things dramatically.
With its infectious songs, witty libretto and lighthearted satire, this Gilbert and Sullivan blockbuster is among the most crowd-pleasing comic musicals in history, and is destined to make the Guthrie this summer's favorite port of call. Remembered for its dynamite songs, gleefully entertaining story and saucy satire, H.M.S. Pinafore is full of pure joy and sensational entertainment, perfect for everyone, young or old!
Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore continues through August 28, 2011, on the Wurtele Thrust Stage at the Guthrie. Single tickets start at $34 and are now on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE, 612.225.6244 (Group Sales) and online at
www.guthrietheater.org.
The GUTHRIE THEATER (Joe Dowling, Director) was founded by Sir Tyrone Guthrie in 1963 and is an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training. The Tony Award-winning Guthrie Theater is dedicated to producing the great works of dramatic literature, developing the work of contemporary playwrights and cultivating the next generation of theater artists. With annual attendance of nearly 500,000 people, the Guthrie Theater presents a mix of classic plays and contemporary work on its three stages. Under the artistic leadership of Joe Dowling since 1995, the Guthrie continues to set a national standard for excellence in theatrical production and performance. In 2006, the Guthrie opened its new home on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the Guthrie Theater houses three state-of-the-art stages, production facilities, classrooms and dramatic public lobbies.
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