THEATRE STAFF
Executive Director .......................................................................... Jason Goedken
Artistic Director ............................................................................ Whitney Morse
Associate Artistic Director ................................................................. Angel Creeks
Director of Operations ......................................................................... Jon Cronin
Director of People, Projects & Culture ...............................................Leslie Becker
Development Director ................................................................ Yasmeen Stogden
Marketing Director ..................................................................... Monica Berdecio
Production Manager ....................................................................... Mike Giovinco
Booking Manager ................................................................................ Sierra Weiss
Senior Business Manager ................................................................... Sean Graham
Lighting Supervisor ......................................................................... Ally Southgate
Associate Lighting Supervisor .......................................................... Dio Raquel Jr.
Senior Production Coordinator ..............................................................Madi Carr
Audio Visual Director ........................................................................... Luke Bezio
Production Coordinator ................................................................ Nichole Pollack
Production Manager ...............................................................Mark Kirschenbaum
House Manager .................................................................................... Alec Speers
Assistant House Manager ....................................................................Tina Carroll
Assistant House Manager ........................................................... Savannah Wagner
Marketing & Media Coordinator .......................................................... Jessica Nix
Marketing Account Manager .............................................................. Erika Nelson
Graphic Designer ...............................................................................Krissi Kugler
Web Designer .............................................................................. David Sponseller
Ad Sales ..................................................... marketing@significantproductions.org
The Sharon®L. Morse
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Dear Patron of the Arts,
Welcome to The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center!
Much like the building’s namesake, my grandmother, Sharon L. Morse, we love all varieties of the performing arts here. It is in her memory that I, along with my amazing team of artists and arts administrators, strive to bring many different types of the highest quality entertainment here to The Sharon.
Since opening in 2015, we have strived to establish your trust, that a show at The Sharon is a show worth seeing. Perhaps you find yourself here today to see a concert of one of your favorite musicians, or to take in the national tour of a Broadway show. Either way, we encourage you to consider trying out a new show that perhaps you haven’t heard of before, knowing that it has been intentionally curated by our team.
We welcome you to The Sharon: a place for you to see an old favorite, but also a place to discover your new favorite. I sincerely hope you enjoy the show today, and I look forward to seeing you here again soon!
See You at The Sharon, Whitney Morse
Artistic Director
ART.
ARTISTS.
AUDIENCE.
SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS (SIGPRO) is a Non-Profit arts organization that operates The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center (The Sharon) & The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol (The Studio).
OUR MISSION; SigPro cultivates a diverse collaborative community with a focus on artists' well-being that strives to provoke thought and spark conversation through high quality performing arts.
OUR TEAM MEMBERS
We believe that fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace is essential for the creation of exceptional art. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends to our employees. This ensures every individual who contributes to our productions feels valued and empowered. We actively promote a workplace culture that embraces differences and encourages collaboration among our diverse team of artists, technicians, administrators, and volunteers.
Thank You
FOR SUPPORTING SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS
MULTI-DONORS
Mary Homko
Giuseppina (Jo) Jones
Russell Jones
Donna Taylor
Jennifer Velez
Jim Ward
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Stan Ackerman
Marge Alder
David Burns
Marie Connolly
Jon Cronin
Sharon Curry
Fidelity Charitable
Carol Floros/Koszola
Nancy Garrison
Lynn & Kathy Glassock
Brian Grode
Roger & Karen Kass
Bob Kendi
Honey & David Kirk
Ron Kravet
Edward & Gale Labuda
Chuck & Bev Levy
Sarah Lindmeier
April & David Linscott
John McAuley
Xiomara Guevara Mendoza
Jan & Tom Miller
Marianne Niesen
Rosemary Pacenta
Patricia Schlemmer
Diann Sherwin
Donna Silver
Jan & Dave Thomas
Muriel Trulson
John Van Dyke
Liza Diana Walters
Melissa Warner
Peter Webb
Attendees at The Sharon 9th Birthday Lunch
DONATIONS IN HONOR OF Ursula Becker
Peg Fiore
Alice Stogden
Thank you to our anonymous donors.
Albert Bergeret, Artistic Director
H.M.S. PINAFORE
or, The Lass That Loved A Sailor
Words by William S. Gilbert Music by Arthur Sullivan
First Performed at the Opera Comique, London, May 25, 1878
Directed & Conducted by Albert Bergeret
Choreography by David Auxier with Original Choreography by Bill Fabris
Scenic Design: Albère Costume Design: Gail Wofford
Lighting Design: Benjamin Weill
Production Stage Manager: Bryan Patrick Stoyle
Assistant Stage Manager: Joshua Strone
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
The Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B. (First Lord of the Admiralty) .. James Mills*
Captain Corcoran (Commanding H.M.S. Pinafore)......................... David Auxier*
Ralph Rackstraw (Able Seaman) .................................................... Cameron Smith
Dick Deadeye (Able Seaman) ....................................................... Matthew Wages*
Bill Bobstay (Boatswain’s Mate) ..................................................... David Wannen*
Bob Becket (Carpenter’s Mate) ........................................................... Quinto Ott*
Josephine (The Captain’s Daughter) .............................................. Michelle Seipel*
Cousin Hebe ............................................................................... Victoria Devany*
Little Buttercup (Mrs. Cripps, a Portsmouth Bumboat Woman).. Angela Christine Smith* Sergeant of Marines ............................................................... Michael J. Connolly*
ENSEMBLE OF SAILORS, FIRST LORD’S SISTERS, COUSINS, & AUNTS
Sam Balzac*, Caitlin Borek*, Louis Brogna, Hannah Eakin*, Hannah Holmes*, Sarah Hutchison*, Alexandra Imbrosci-Viera*, Sabrina Lopez, David Macaluso*, John Charles McLaughlin*, Lance Olds*, Laura Sudduth*, Tyler Tejada
Scene: Quarterdeck of H.M.S. Pinafore THERE WILL BE ONE FIFTEEN MINUTE INTERMISSION
*The actors and stage managers employed in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
COMPANY & PRODUCTION STAFF
Artistic Director/General Manager .................................................. Albert Bergeret
Executive Director ........................................................................... David Wannen
Director of Administration/Associate Musical Director ..................... Joseph Rubin
Associate Artistic Director .................................................................... James Mills
Company Manager/Wardrobe ....................................................... Michael Galante
Development Manager .......................................................... Sarah Caldwell Smith
Co-Director/Choreographer ................................................... David Auxier-Loyola
Company Photographer ....................................... Carol Rosegg, William Reynolds
Orchestra Contractor ................................................................ Christopher Nolin
NEW YORK GILBERT & SULLIVAN PLAYERS ORCHESTRA
Violin 1 - Evgeny Komarnitskiy (concertmaster), Ericmar Perez, Elaina Cook, Mary Bos Violin 2 - Liz Kitts, Erin Zuchniewicz Viola - Daniel Cortes
Cello - Shona McFadyen-Mungall Bass - Geordan Raisler
Flute - Margaret Swinchoski Oboe - Amy Han Clarinet - Melissa Kindy
Bassoon - Lillian Vo Horn - Raul Rodriguez Trumpet - Alan Evans
Trombone - Scott Avant Percussion - Christopher Nolin
The photographing or sound recording of this performance or possession of any device for such photographing or sound recording is prohibited.
STORY OF THE OPERA
High spirits seem to be the order of the day aboard Her Majesty’s Ship Pinafore, anticipating the visit of Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty. The crew is busy preparing the ship, stopping only to make purchases from Little Buttercup, a peddler, and to exchange compliments with their well-mannered Captain.
The only sad note is struck by Ralph Rackstraw, one of the sailors, who is hopelessly in love with Josephine, the Captain's daughter. Not only is her social position far above his, but her hand has been promised by her father to Sir Joseph.
When Sir Joseph arrives with his female entourage, professing some decidedly eccentric ideas about naval discipline, Ralph is inspired to press his suit with the lady. At first she refuses him, but when he threatens suicide, she admits her love for him and agrees to elope.
That night, Captain Corcoran learns that he, too, has a secret admirer - Little Buttercup - but he puts her off because of the difference in their positions. Sir Joseph, meanwhile, has come to the conclusion that a similar difference is keeping Josephine from accepting his proposal. He tells her that "love levels all ranks," which she takes, however, as an endorsement of her love for Ralph. Her father, upon learning of her true plans, halts the elopement. His furious outburst of "Damme!" is overheard by Sir Joseph, who banishes him to his cabin. Sir Joseph is even more outraged, though, when he hears the reason for the Captain's anger. He orders Ralph imprisoned, and is about to turn on Josephine when Little Buttercup makes an extraordinary confession: Ralph and the Captain, entrusted to her care as babies, were somehow exchanged!
The improbability of the revelation proves no obstacle to its immediate acceptance by all concerned, and the sailor and the Captain assume each other's places. Their new stations enable them to marry Josephine and Little Buttercup, and Sir Joseph is claimed by his cousin Hebe.
MUSICAL NUMBERS
OVERTURE
ACT I
“WE SAIL THE OCEAN BLUE” (Introduction & Opening Chorus) ........ Sailors
“I’M CALLED LITTLE BUTTERCUP” (Recitative & Aria) ................. Buttercup
“BUT TELL ME WHO’S THE YOUTH” (Recitative) .....Buttercup & Boatswain
“THE NIGHTINGALE” (Madrigal) ............................ Ralph & Chorus of Sailors
“A MAIDEN FAIR TO SEE” (Ballad) .......................... Ralph & Chorus of Sailors
“MY GALLANT CREW” (Recitative & Song) ... Captain Corcoran & Chorus of Sailors
“SIR, YOU ARE SAD” (Recitative) ...................... Buttercup & Captain Corcoran
“SORRY HER LOT” (Ballad) ................................................................. Josephine
“OVER THE BRIGHT BLUE SEA” (Barcarolle - off stage).... Sir Joseph’s Female Relatives
“SIR JOSEPH’S BARGE IS SEEN” ..... Chorus of Sailors & Sir Joseph’s Female Relatives
“NOW GIVE THREE CHEERS” .. Captain Corcoran, Sir Joseph, Cousin Hebe, & Chorus
“WHEN I WAS A LAD” (Song) ............................................ Sir Joseph & Chorus
“FOR I HOLD THAT ON THE SEAS” ..... Sir Joseph, Cousin Hebe, Female Relatives, & Sailors
“A BRITISH TAR” (Glee) .... Ralph, Boatswain, Carpenter’s Mate, & Chorus of Sailors
“REFRAIN, AUDACIOUS TAR” (Duet) ................................. Josephine & Ralph
“CAN I SURVIVE THIS OVERBEARING” (Finale of Act I) ................ Ensemble
ACT II
Entr’acte
“FAIR MOON, TO THEE I SING” (Song) .............................. Captain Corcoran
“THINGS ARE SELDOM WHAT THEY SEEM” (Duet) ....Buttercup & Captain Corcoran
“THE HOURS CREEP ON APACE” (Scena) ....................................... Josephine
“NEVER MIND THE WHY AND WHEREFORE” (Trio) .... Josephine, Captain, & Sir Joseph
“KIND CAPTAIN, I’VE IMPORTANT INFORMATION” (Duet) ...Captain & Dick Deadeye
“CAREFULLY ON TIPTOE STEALING” .................................. Soli and Chorus
“FAREWELL, MY OWN!”........................................................ Octet and Chorus
“A MANY YEARS AGO” (Song) ........................................ Buttercup and Chorus
“OH JOY, OH RAPTURE UNFORESEEN!” (Finale of Act II) ............ Ensemble
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
DAVID AUXIER (Captain Corcoran) Isaac Asimov Award for Artistic Achievement recipient 2015-16. Favorite NYGASP roles: Captain Corcoran (Pinafore), Sergeant (Pirates), Pish-Tush (Mikado). Mr. Auxier has been co-director and company choreographer since 2010 and has worked in or on all 13 G&S operas. He conceived and directed the all-new critically acclaimed, reimagined production of The Mikado and the award-winning hit G&S cabaret revue I’ve Got a Little Twist, and wrote the book for NYGASP’s original G&S à la Carte! David is also a MAC Award-nominated songwriter and is currently penning an all-original musical. www.davidauxier.com
SAM BALZAC (Ensemble) is thrilled to return to NYGASP, after appearing in Ruddigore, Trial by Jury/Sorcerer and Patience! Off-Broadway: Fifty Million Frenchman (York). Recent regional: Lend Me a Soprano (Shadowland Stages). In addition to acting, G&S have been highly influential in Sam’s work as a composer/ lyricist for musical theater. Written work includes The Wrong Box (NYSCA Support for Artists Grant), Existential Questions of the 21st Century (O’Neill NMTC semi-finalist), and a musical adaptation of Felicia Day’s The Guild (details on a live-streamed performance forthcoming at www.sambalzac.com).
CAITLIN BOREK (Ensemble) Caitlin is thrilled to join NYGASP in H.M.S. Pinafore. She’s been a part of Ruddigore, The Sorcerer/Trial By Jury, Patience, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Gondoliers, and The Mikado since March of 2020. Caitlin was recently Cinderella at The Fireside Theatre and won Best Actress for her portrayal of Cosette in Les Mis from BroadwayWorld Madison Awards. You can catch her in the movie musical The Confession as Alyson, starring alongside John Schneider of Dukes of Hazzard. She’d like to thank Da Boreks for their constant love and support. www.caitlinborek.com IG: @sea2bee2
LOUIS BROGNA (Ensemble) is thrilled to join the company. Past credits: Anastasia (National Tour), Frozen (Ogunquit Playhouse), The Donkey Show (American Repertory Theater), The Full Monty (Umbrella Stage Co), White Christmas (Arizona Broadway Theatre), The Music Man, Mame, Most Happy Fella, …Millie, 42nd Street, Joseph…, Show Boat, (Reagle Music Theatre), Chicago (Winnipesauke Playhouse), Rocky Horror, Annie (Wagon Wheel). Louis is dedicated to spreading life, love, and joy through his skills as an artist, performer, and human. He thanks his friends, family, and team for their continued support. Boston Conservatory Alumni. DDO Artists Agency. @louisbrogna www. louisbrogna.com
MICHAEL J. CONNOLLY (Sergeant of Marines) Michael has performed the entire G&S canon with NYGASP. Other credits include The Cherry Orchard and A Christmas Carol (both at the McCarter Theatre), Alan Ayckbourn’s Joking Apart (Rev. Hugh Emerson), a world premiere with Centenary Stage Company in New
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Jersey, a new adaptation of Chekhov’s Platonov (Sergei) at Columbia University, Twelfth Night (Malvolio), She Loves Me (Arpad), Bye Bye Birdie (Hugo) and Sweeney Todd. Michael trained at LAMDA in London (M.A.), studied engineering at Princeton and has also been caught behind the scenes playing the trombone.
VICTORIA DEVANY (Cousin Hebe) NYGASP: Mad Margaret (Ruddigore), Cousin Hebe (Pinafore), Pitti-Sing/Peep-Bo (Mikado), Mrs. Partlet (Sorcerer), Edith (Pirates), Inez (Gondoliers); many concerts, children’s shows and tours with NYGASP. Other venues: Carnegie Hall, Wolf Trap, Resorts International, Westbury Music Fair, Garden State Arts Center/PNC. Vicky is married to violinist
David Aron Steinberg. Cabaret acts: NYC, NYS, Japan; Berta (Barber of Seville) and Annina (La Traviata); & non-singing roles. Playwright/Dramaturg/Instructor: vickyd_us@yahoo.com Proud AEA /DGA Member. Isaac Asimov Awardee, & currently performs myriad Shakespearean roles for the NYPL, most recently, Lady Macbeth.
HANNAH EAKIN (Ensemble) joined NYGASP in 2021 and has performed in Pirates of Penzance, Gondoliers, Patience, H.M.S. Pinafore, Sorcerer, and Trial by Jury. Credits include: Outside of Eden (New Ohio), Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, Bridges of Madison County (Arkansas Rep); Mary Poppins, Singin’ in the Rain (Barn Theatre); Sister Act (Westchester Broadway Theatre). Also a filmmaker and writer, her work has been recognized by New York State Council on the Arts, Inwood Artworks, PAGE International Screenwriting Awards, and ScreenCraft Drama Screenplay Competition, among others. Proud graduate of Oklahoma City University.
HANNAH HOLMES (Ensemble) With NYGASP: The Mikado (Katisha), Patience (Lady Jane), Pirates (Edith/Ruth), H.M.S. Pinafore (Hebe), The Sorcerer (Lady Sangazure), chorus in Ruddigore, Iolanthe, Gondoliers, and Trial by Jury. She has performed with the Ohio Light Opera, Victor Herbert Renaissance Project, Spoleto Festival USA, New York Virtuoso Singers, and makes regular appearances with the Clarion Choir, Bard Opera Chorus, and Bard Festival Chorale. An Iowa native, Hannah is a proud graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (BM) and the Eastman School of Music (MM). More at hannahmezzo.com.
SARAH HUTCHISON (Ensemble) Proud NYGASP-er both in New York and on tour since 2009! Other recent projects: Tennessee Williams’ Not About Nightingales (Empirical Theatre); various readings at the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, and recording projects at Avatar Studios and with Grammy Awardwinning producer Mikaelin “Blue” BlueSpruce. She is grateful for her amazing family & friends’ continued love and support. Graduate of Muhlenberg College; proud member of Actors’ Equity and the Patrick Page Studio. “Keep calm and patter on...”
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
ALEXANDRA IMBROSCI-VIERA (Ensemble) New York: Ruddigore, Trial by Jury, The Sorcerer, The Mikado, Patience, The Pirates of Penzance (NYGASP), Quillén (NY Theatre Festival), All Kinds of People (Inside Broadway), Sueños (NYTB New Works). Select regional: Josh Groban’s Bridges tour, Patchogue Theatre, WPPAC, RedHouse Arts Center, Music Theatre of Connecticut, Finger Lakes Opera. Favorites include: Maria (West Side Story), Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods), Hope Harcourt (Anything Goes), Meg (Little Women), Kate (Pirates). Love to Mom, Dad, and Eric. Thanks to Becky and the Kreativ team! @alex_imbrosci_viera
SABRINA LOPEZ (Ensemble) Central California native and arrived in NYC in 2021. Recently performed as Cinderella in Cinderella, and Bomba in Bomba and the Coquí. American Academy of the Dramatic Arts Los Angeles credits include Veronica in Heathers, Henry V (II,i) and Captain Gower in Henry V, and Meg Magrath in Crimes of the Heart. Other roles include Esmeralda in Hunchback of Notre Dame, Yum Yum in The Mikado, Molly in Farragut North, and Evelyn in Shape of Things, and more recently joined the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players 2023 Midwest tour of The Pirates of Penzance. www.sabrinamlopez.com IG: @sabrina_mae21
DAVID MACALUSO (Ensemble) most recently performed as Major General in Central City Opera’s Pirates of Penzance. Last season with NYGASP he sang Grosvenor in NYGASP’s Patience, and Ko-Ko in The Mikado. He was Mr. Cox and Creative Producer in NYGASP’s film, Cox & Box. Credits include Sir Joseph and Buttercup (simultaneously) in the NY Drama Desk Award nominated Pinafore (Vortex Theater), and Robin/co-producer of The House of Murgatroyd. Other roles: Sir Joe (Pinafore), Duke of Plaza Toro, Luiz (Gondoliers), Strephon (Iolanthe), Che (Evita), Molina (Kiss of the Spiderwoman), Falke (Fledermaus). Graduate of the Manhattan School of Music and Asimov Award Recipient. Visit: www.DavidSings.info
JOHN CHARLES McLAUGHLIN (Ensemble) is a proud NYGASPer since 2013, most recently as the Tenor in I’ve Got a Little Twist, on tour as Nanki-Poo in The Mikado, Luiz in Gondoliers, and ensemble in Pirates, Patience, Ruddigore, Princess Ida, and Yeomen of the Guard. Also with the cell theater in NYC: Crackskull Row (Irish Repertory Theatre), Larry Kirwan’s Hard Times, Peter/Wendy, McGoldrick’s Thread, and The Biscuit Club. Hammond, IN native and member of AEA www.jcmclaughlin.com ig: @portionctrl
JAMES MILLS (Sir Joseph Porter KCB) was the 2019/2020 recipient of the Isaac Asimov Award for Artistic Achievement. Entire G&S canon onstage with NYGASP. Recently: John Wellington Wells (Sorcerer), Reginald Bunthorne (Patience), Sir Joseph Porter KCB (HMS Pinafore), Jack Point (Yeomen), & Major-
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
General Stanley (Pirates). Upcoming: Lord Chancellor (Iolanthe). James is an alum of College Light Opera Company in Falmouth, MA, where he returns to direct G&S productions each summer. He is co-star and co-creator of the all-new drag musical, The Hell’s Kitchenettes. Proud member of AEA.
LANCE OLDS (Ensemble) NYGASP since 1997. Roles include Deadeye (Pinafore), Antonio (Gondoliers), Calynx (Utopia, Limited), and Strephon (Iolanthe with Light Opera Company of Salisbury). First National Tour: Footloose. OffBroadway: Mark Twain’s Blues, Naked Boys Singing!. Regional: Kennedy Center, Seattle Rep, Weston Playhouse, Ogunquit Playhouse, and St. Michael’s Playhouse. Film/TV: MTV’s Eye Candy, Far From Heaven, principal dancer in Disney’s Enchanted, Stepford Wives, Mona Lisa Smile, and Kate & Leopold. Asimov Award recipient. Love to Lauren, Anwyn, and Declan.
QUINTO OTT (Bob Becket) Originally from Tucson, Arizona, a graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington, and a NYGASP company member since 2009. Quinto played the role for Don Attilio on the North American Tour of The Phantom of the Opera and originated the roles of Tobias Bridge and Billy Bones in the world premiere new musical Treasure Island at the Fulton Theatre. He played Claude Frollo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Bill Sikes (Oliver!), and Cogsworth (Disney’s Beauty & the Beast) at the Mac-Haydn Theatre. He is excited to be performing with NYGASP again after spending the last several years as a wardrobe supervisor and head of sewing on the North American Tour of The Lion King.
MICHELLE SEIPEL (Josephine) NYGASP company member since 2012, performing the roles of Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore, Aline in The Sorcerer, Casilda in The Gondoliers, among others. She was featured in the Theater at Monmouth’s Celebration of G&S and played Mrs. Bouncer in Cox and Box. Opera credits include Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro (Geneva Light Opera), Frasquita in Carmen (New York City Opera), and Musettain La Bohème (St. Petersburg Opera). Other career highlights: the televised Lincoln Center Carousel, Oliver! national tour, Nellie Forbush (South Pacific, Asheville Lyric Opera.) More at www.michelleseipel.com.
CAMERON SMITH (Ralph Rackstraw) began his NYGASP career in 2009 with Edwin in Trial by Jury, and has gone on to play Nanki-Poo, Prince Hilarion, The Duke, Ralph Rackstraw, Lord Tolloller, and Leonard Meryll. Operatic credits include Lake George Opera, Tanglewood, and Caramoor. He holds degrees from Manhattan School of Music and SUNY Purchase. When not singing, he enjoys running marathons, playing guitar, and spending time with his awesome family.
ANGELA CHRISTINE SMITH (Little Buttercup) has completed the G&S canon with NYGASP, including the contralto roles of Ruth, Katisha, Queen of the
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Fairies, Little Buttercup, Lady Blanche, Dame Carruthers, Duchess of Plaza-Toro, Dame Hannah, Baroness von Krakenfeldt and Mrs. Partlet. Other credits include Junon in Orphée aux enfers with Opera Company of Middlebury, and Duchess of Plaza-Toro with Winter Opera Saint Louis. Ms. Smith is a proud member of NYGASP’s award-winning cabaret show I’ve Got a Little Twist, and a recipient of the Isaac Asimov Award for Artistic Achievement. angelachristinesmith.com
LAURA SUDDUTH (Ensemble) made her NYGASP debut at New York City Center in the 2012-2013 season, and has twirled around the stage as Isabel, Zorah, Giulia and various wards/fairies/sisters/cousins ever since. Laura’s professional credits range from Broadway (Les Liaisons Dangereuses) to TV (HBO’s The Undoing, Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), as well as regional theatre (including world premiere musicals at Kansas City Repertory Theater and Arkansas Rep). Favorite credits span opera, operetta, musicals and plays: A Little Night Music (Anne), Le Nozze di Figaro (Susanna), As You Like It (Celia), Assassins, and Carousel. www.laura-sudduth.com / IG @laurasudduth
TYLER TEJADA (Ensemble) is very excited for his second show with NYGASP after debuting this past fall in Ruddigore. Past credits include Sid Sorokin (Pajama Game), Lt. Munoz/Pancho Vargas (City of Angels), and Henry (Next to Normal). He also sings with Opera Philadelphia, Philadelphia Symphonic Choir, Musica Sacra and The Princeton Singers. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Music Education from The University of Delaware and a Masters Degree in Music from Temple University.
MATTHEW WAGES (Dick Deadeye) 2022/2023 Isaac Asimov Award for Artistic Achievement. In addition to Shakespeare, musical theatre and educational series, Mr. Wages has performed 18 different principal bass and baritone roles with NYGASP since 2015. Dramatis Personae: Pirate King, Pooh-Bah, Lord Mountararat, Giuseppe Palmieri, Sergeant of Police, Sir Despard Murgatroyd, Wilfred Shadbolt, Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre, Florian, Major Murgatroyd, Samuel, Bouncer (Cox & Box), Tare/Poppytop/de Vere (Ages Ago/Mr. Jericho), I’ve Got A Little Twist, Roderic (Ruddygore: Revisited) G&S Festival U.K. Director and Adapter of Cox and Box, the Film! Love to Kenji, Jo Jo & Kento. MatthewWages.com, FB: The Matthew Wages, IG: @MatthewWages.
DAVID WANNEN (Bill Bobstay) NYGASP since 2004: favorites include Pirate King (Pirates), Wilfred Shadbolt (Yeomen), Colonel Calverley (Patience), Paramount (Utopia), Pvt. Willis (Iolanthe), Sultan (Rose of Persia), Arac (Princess Ida), Bill Bobstay (H.M.S. Pinafore) and title role in The Mikado. Tours: Beauty and the Beast (Beast u/s), Camelot with the late Robert Goulet (Lancelot u/s); Regional: Nominated Best Featured Actor by Philadelphia Inquirer for Camelot (Media Theater). Producer, 2017 The Mikado; Co-Producer & Original Cast, I’ve Got a Little Twist!; Executive Director, NYGASP.
WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY
ALBERT BERGERET (Founder/Artistic Director/General Manager) Mr. Bergeret is a career-long professional specialist in the works of Gilbert & Sullivan, having performed, staged, conducted and designed every opera in the repertoire over a 40 year period. He has directed G&S productions for university students and residency programs for elementary schools. He has been hailed as “the leading custodian of the G&S classics” by New York Magazine (Peter Davis) and his work as both stage and musical director has been widely acclaimed in the press both in New York and on tour throughout the United States, Canada, and the UK. Mr. Bergeret founded NYGASP in 1974 and has served as Artistic Director/General Manager since its inception. He has conducted and staged all 13 of the works in the G&S canon as well as the company’s smash hit production of George Gershwin’s
Of Thee I Sing. He has conducted programs with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Orchestra London in Ontario Canada, Northwest Indiana Symphony and the Erie Philharmonic in a program featuring Metropolitan Opera baritone Robert Goodloe. With NYGASP he has also conducted and directed such diverse personalities as Hal Linden, Steve Allen, John Astin, Pat Carroll, Noel Harrison, John Rubenstein, Louis Quilico, Lando Bartolini, and John Reed, O.B.E.
JAMES MILLS (Associate Artistic Director) is a native of New Mexico and a graduate from the UNM Department of Theatre and Dance. He has worked onstage and off with NYGASP for fifteen seasons. Most known for his “patterman” roles, James has stage managed, tech directed, and assistant directed productions for NYGASP, as well as having helmed the many pandemic-era digital presentations. James is a stage director for The College Light Opera Company in Falmouth, MA. As a member of the CLOC National Honorary Committee of Alumni, James takes pride in sharing the legacy of Gilbert & Sullivan with students from around the country.
JOSEPH RUBIN (Associate Musical Director/Director of Administration) is one of the leading authorities on early American Musical Theatre and founded the non-profit American Musical Productions in 2003. He has restored, produced, and conducted such forgotten works from the musical stage as Madame Sherry, The Prince of Pilsen, and the original 1902 The Wizard of Oz. Other Productions include The Student Prince, The Chocolate Soldier and Naughty Marietta. A Canton, Ohio native, he created “living history” concert tributes to Ohio born 1930s-40s bandleaders Freddy Martin, Ted Lewis, and Clyde McCoy. Upcoming: Centennial production of Rodgers and Hart’s first musical Dearest Enemy in Akron, Ohio. www.josephnrubin.com
DAVID WANNEN (Executive Director) is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music in vocal performance and holds a post-baccalaureate in business from Columbia University. Mr. Wannen is a veteran of the NYGASP stage and a
WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY
member of the NYGASP board of directors. Mr. Wannen is producer of the allnew critically-acclaimed production of The Mikado, and co-producer of I’ve Got a Little Twist, NYGASP’s original cabaret. His other responsibilities for NYGASP include fundraising, marketing, board development, and strategic planning. Mr. Wannen is a past president of North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents, recently completing six years of service as an officer of the board. He is the recipient of the 2018 Western Arts Alliance Award for Mentorship and an Association of Performing Arts Professionals Leadership Fellow.
BRYAN PATRICK STOYLE (Production Stage Manager) joined NYGASP in 2023 as an Assistant Tech Director and quickly became the Assistant Stage Manager for the company. Bryan also served as ATD for the 2024 tour of Sugar Skull - A Dia de Muertos Musical Adventure (Mexico Beyond Mariachi). In addition to working behind the scenes, Bryan is a SAG-AFTRA actor, writer and audiobook narrator. Upstate, Bryan writes, directs, produces & performs in an annual stunt show for the Buffalo Bisons AAA baseball team’s Star Wars Night, which raises money for local youth shelter Compass House.
JOSHUA STRONE (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back NYGASP for the 24/25 season. Credits include national and international tours for Maroon 5, Metallica, U2, Snapchat, Blackpink, Luis Miguel, NCT 127, and Artistic Dance Exchange. Other credits include work with Greg Schaffert (Broadway), Jonathan Wallace (Off-Broadway), Write Act East Side (Off-Broadway), Kaye Playhouse (Off-Broadway), Quantum Entertainment, and NYrep. Joshua has managed logistics, scheduling, and coordination for numerous productions, ensuring smooth operations from rehearsals to opening night and beyond. He holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts, Motion Pictures, and Music Business & Entertainment Industries from University of Miami.
BENJAMIN WEILL (Lighting Designer) has been the resident lighting designer for NYGASP for the past 12 seasons. He is proud to be part of the NYGASP family. He is the recipient of the BroadwayWorld.com New Jersey award for Best Lighting Design of a Musical. Outside of G&S, Benjamin is a freelance lighting designer, designing events, concerts, plays and musicals. www.benjaminweilldesign.com
GAIL J. WOFFORD (Costume Designer/Co-Founder of NYGASP) holds a Masters of Arts in Theatre Arts from Texas Tech University. As resident costume designer, she designed and constructed costumes for The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Iolanthe, Trial by Jury and other operettas. Gail was Costume Coordinator for N.J. State Opera for 12 years and head of wardrobe for the NY Grand Opera. She has executed projects for WNET, Channel 13, National Tour of Dreamgirls, the film Mission Apollo and worked with numerous opera companies throughout the US.
An Introduction to H.M.S. Pinafore
by New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players Artistic Director Albert Bergeret
When the barbs of the satirist’s pen are meant to draw blood, they frequently become dated in short order. One reason for the continued popularity of H.M.S. Pinafore, and the rest of the Gilbert & Sullivan canon, is the lack of malice in its otherwise biting satire.
Gilbert was quite clearly a product and an upholder of the society which he lampoons. H.M.S. Pinafore is a rather trenchant commentary on the injustice of class distinction, overblown nationalism, and petty personal ambition, yet the frothy mix of buffoonery in which this commentary is mixed leaves the listener with both the message and a joy derived from an ability to laugh at one’s own foibles. Of course, Sullivan’s highly memorable settings of each character and group’s signature entrance adds to this sense of delight. In cases such as H.M.S. Pinafore, the satire itself has outlived the object of its parodic thrust. Many of the musical elements which Sullivan drew upon are from obscure bel canto operas. Others, such as the similarity of Buttercup’s revelation to Verdi’s Il Trovatore, remain more familiar. Likewise, Gilbert’s parody of the melodrama staple “switched in infancy” ploy is viewed as a cliché on its own, rather than the ridiculous twist it was intended to be. Don’t try to make the age differences add up logically - the ending is part of the joke.
Despite the theme of social injustice, no revolution occurs here - the status of the characters is changed to fit the order rather than the other way around. Note that the villain, Dick Deadeye, is the only one to speak reasonably about the behavior of sailors involved in military activities (“when people have to obey other people’s orders, equality’s out of the question”). It is also interesting to note that Deadeye joins in the final refrain of “Oh joy, oh rapture unforeseen”, because, after all, he was right all along and the proper relationships within class structures have been maintained!
H.M.S. Pinafore is a model of theatrical brevity, and much of its charm derives therefrom. Each group or individual is introduced with a catchy tune and/or sequence. Then a single element of dramatic tension (the marriage of Josephine without her father’s consent) is introduced and quickly resolved by role reversal. When New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players undertook a “Reader’s Digest Version” of the show as a joke, the essence of the plot was easily acted out in less than one minute!
The audience does not need to know that Sir Joseph was a specific parody of a book seller made First Lord of the Admiralty, nor the history of the British navy, nor the exact customs of Victorian society - the types of human nature
H.M.S. PINAFORE
are depicted simply and straightforwardly. It is no wonder that H.M.S. Pinafore was an immediate hit on both sides of the Atlantic and established its creators’ reputation throughout the English-speaking world! Gilbert & Sullivan never obtained international copyrights, but it is documented that as many as five different unauthorized versions of the show were running in New York City alone at one point in time.
H.M.S. Pinafore launched not only Gilbert & Sullivan but also the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, which performed the G&S canon for over 100 years. As the first great G&S success story, one can point to this work, with its union of popular musical hall and more elite operatic elements, as the true father of musical theatre as we know it. Its descendants have been going back and forth across the Atlantic ever since.
For more info about how to support NYGASP, scan the QR code below:
New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players is a professional repertory company giving vitality to the living legacy of Gilbert & Sullivan through performance and education. NYGASP is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization.
Now in its fiftieth anniversary year, we are embarking on a $1 million fundraising campaign to ensure NYGASP thrives in the years and decades to come. We believe that NYGASP is the world’s best chance for Gilbert & Sullivan’s collaboration to shine through the 21st century, giving vitality to the living legacy of Gilbert & Sullivan for generations. With $825,000 raised to date, your support is invaluable to meeting our goal. Together, we can ensure that NYGASP has the leadership necessary to shepherd the power of this repertoire to inspire, engage, and ignite change – and joy – for the next fifty years! All donations are fully tax deductible as charitable contributions.
Under the dynamic leadership of Founder & Artistic Director Albert Bergeret, who has been hailed as “the leading custodian of the G&S classics” by New York Magazine, NYGASP has created its own special niche in the cultural mosaic of New York City and the nation. Since its founding in 1974, the company has presented over 3,000 performances of the G&S masterpieces throughout the United States, Canada, and the U.K. captivating audiences of all ages.
Visit NYGASP.org for more information
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