Vancouver Opera sets sail with Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore, opening April 30
Writer-comedian JD Derbyshire has collaborated with director Brenna Corner to adapt the libretto for a modern audience
Post Sponsored by VANCOUVER OPERA
HMS Pinafore. Photo by Ari Denison, courtesy of Eugene Opera.
A joyful production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore will wrap up Vancouver Opera’s 2021–22 season—bringing it to a close with one of the operetta world’s happiest endings.
Shows take place at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on April 30, May 5, and May 7 at 7:30 pm, with a 2 pm matinee on May 8.
The operetta’s comedic tale combines forbidden love across class divides, poking fun at social hierarchies, with plenty of laughs, witty dialogue, and memorable music along the way. In the ever-popular work, the inept Admiral, who has never been upon the ocean, sets sail “over the bright blue sea”. Handsome sailor Ralph Rackstraw becomes enamoured with the beautiful captain’s daughter, Josephine, who is betrothed to the hapless Admiral, but pines for the humble seaman.
“The enjoyable music of HMS Pinafore along with its many comedic elements is certain to lift the spirits of all who attend,” says Vancouver Opera general director Tom Wright. “Gilbert and Sullivan are the undisputed masters of comic operetta and we are thrilled to end our season on such a joyful high note.”
In a unique collaboration, writer and comedian JD Derbyshire has collaborated with director Brenna Corner to adapt the libretto for a modern audience. Corner has staged acclaimed VO productions such as L’elisir d’amore and Hansel & Gretel.
Rosemary Thompson, music director of the Okanagan Symphony, makes her Vancouver Opera conducting debut with an all-star cast.
That cast includes soprano Caitlin Wood as Josephine (last seen here as Susanna in Vancouver Opera Festival’s The Marriage of Figaro); tenor Ernesto Ramirez in his Vancouver Opera debut as Ralph Rackstraw; baritone Jorell Williams in his VO debut as Captain Corcoran; baritone Peter McGillivray as Sir Joseph Porter (following a highly praised comic performance of Don Magnifico in La Cenerentola); mezzo-soprano Megan Latham as Little Buttercup, last performed at VO as Filippyevna in Eugene Onegin and Emilia in Otello; baritone Marcus Nance in his VO debut as Dick Deadeye, and baritone Jason Cook, playing the role of Bob Becket.
You can find tickets and more information here.
Post sponsored by Vancouver Opera