P.O. Box 77367, San Francisco, CA 94107 415-227-4797 www.lamplighters.org
Address Service Requested
Volume 33, Number 1 New Look for The Women of H.M.S. Pinafore Nov 7, 2011
Schools Program review by Scott Hayes
My wife, Kitty, and I had the privilege of attending two performances of scenes from H.M.S. Pinafore, presented by The Lamplighters, for students at San Rafael High School and Terra Linda High School. We found the 40 minute presentation to be highly entertaining and, at the same time, an example of fine teaching. The students seemed to love the performance, and enjoyed having the opportunity to participate. The students had been prepared in advance with the help of materials sent to them by The Lamplighters. Before the performance Jennifer Ashworth gave the students who were participating a short rehearsal. Those students were the school chorus, a vocal percussion group (who helped demonstrate how rap and Gilbert & Sullivan patter songs can coincide) and a few students dressed as sailors - including a Dick Deadeye, who made the most of his one-sided hump, his dragging foot, and dead eye!).
photo: Lamplighters, Washington Elementary School, 2010
The three leads - Jennifer, Andy Truett, and Lawrence Ewing - were in full costume and great voice, and gave their
January, 2012
professional-all to the students. Their narration of the story between songs was both humorous and interesting; the students’ participation charming, and Music Director Baker Peeples contributed his usual masterful accompaniments. As Kitty and I were leaving the theatre following each performance, we felt that this program is an ideal way to introduce young students to Gilbert & Sullivan and, at the same time, create future audiences. We strongly urge all fans of G&S to contact your local schools and tell them of this program, (ably administered by Ellen Kerrigan), with a minimal cost of only $150.00 per performance!! Encourage local schools to contact Ellen at 415-661-4530. By doing so you will be helping to promote the future of G&S as well as bringing a cultural treat to students, from kindergarten through grade 12.
Congratulations Laura!
Congratulations to Lamplighter Laura Sanders for winning the high school division of The American Prize in Vocal Performance - The Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards in Opera. Laura played Mary in our 2008 The Secret Garden, is often seen in the ladies’ chorus of our main stage productions, and has been a regular participant in our Gilbert & Sullivan’s Scenes program, run in collaboration with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Summer Music West. In fact one of Laura’s four videos in her winning submission was a performance from last summer’s G&S Scenes program of The Sun whose Rays are All Ablaze from The Mikado. Well done!
In 1980, The Lamplighters created a new vision of H.M.S. Pinafore that included sparkling new designs by John C. Gilkerson. In the 31 years and multiple productions that have been staged since, those costumes have been re-used, re-vitalized and re-purposed. As wonderful as those costumes were, they could only last for so long. Now, thanks in part to the generous donations of our supporters and a unique collaboration with the Fashion Department of Cañada College in Redwood City, this summer’s production will once again set sail with a fresh new look. In order to build new costumes on such a large scale a creative solution was needed. This came in the form of the “Costuming for Theatrical Production” class offered as part of the Theater Costuming Certificate at Cañada’s Fashion Design Dept. The certificate is the brainchild of Lamplighter’s own Judy Jackson MacIlvaine, who is an instructor in the Fashion Design program. The new program trains students in the skills of costume design photos: Cañada College, 2011 and production, and the opportunity to work on an actual production is a crucial element. Matching a classroom full of eager students to the needs of the company for some beautiful new costumes was a perfect fit. According to Ronda Chaney, chair of the Fashion Program, “This is a wonderful opportunity for community college students to utilize what they have learned in their Cañada College fashion classes. Students are designing, developing patterns, fitting, constructing and altering the garments for H.M.S. Pinafore... this real life experience is valuable for those wishing a career in theater costuming.” Judy’s new designs are set in the period of the “Belle Époque,” the optimistic years at the end of the 19th century. The ladies will be dressed in their finest nautical summer frocks, ready to accompany their favorite relative, Sir Joseph Porter. There will be sisters,
Spring/Summer 2011 cousins and aunts of all ages on board, from young girls and teenagers to an elderly aunt who attempts to keep everyone in line. And of course, Josephine will be decked out in the finest modern turn-of-the-century fashions from Harrod’s. The cost of new materials are being partially offset by special fundraising events, from last fall’s Gala Fund-a-Need auction to this spring’s Hidden Treasures performance and auction. It’s not too late to join the committed group of fans who have made an investment in creating these beautiful new costumes! Contact Mike Zimmerman at mzimmerman@lamplighters.org or 415-227-4797 if you would like to contribute. “I’ve been a fan of The Lamplighters for decades and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work on costumes for H.M.S. Pinafore... I have always been delighted by Lamplighter performances. However, through the Cañada course I have had the chance to appreciate the imagination, energy, resourcefulness and skill brought to bear by the stalwarts in the Costume Shop. They are essential underpinnings, and I’m thrilled to be able to help them in some small way!”
- Melody Singleton, student
Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek July 22 - 24 Lincoln Theatre Napa Valley, Yountville July 30 - 31 Novellus Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, SF August 5 - 7 Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View August 13 - 14 Bankhead Theatre, Livermore August 20 - 21
The Gondoliers
The Gondoliers was a huge hit in its day - the greatest success of Gilbert & Sullivan’s joint career along with The Mikado. It opened in December 1889 and ran for 559 performances. Queen Victoria requested a Royal Command Performance at Windsor Castle, and loved it. She particularly enjoyed the line “tis a glorious thing, I ween, to be a regular, royal queen!” The show has always been a favorite of British audiences and, while it’s often performed in America, it never quite attained the popularity of The Mikado or The Pirates of Penzance here – probably because the plot depends so heavily on the audience’s shared belief that a monarchy is the natural order of things, and that “republicanism” – in the lower-case R sense of the word – is something that’s pretty ridiculous. Americans tend to see it the other way around. Also, a lot of the humor is based on the collision of two cultures – one royalist and upper-class, one working-class and democratic. Again, this concept may not come as naturally to Americans – but we can still enjoy the humor and the music. The Gondoliers shows Sullivan at his musical peak. He had complained for years that Gilbert’s words always took precedence, and that the music was somehow in second place. In The Gondoliers, the music is allowed to blossom more than in any of their other collaborations. The impoverished Duke of Plaza-Toro and his Duchess have brought their daughter Casilda to Venice. The Duke and Duchess are broke but looking forward to a brighter future: when Casilda was a baby, she was married to an infant prince, the heir to the throne of Barataria. Due to political and religious problems in Barataria, the Grand Inquisitor had photo: David Allen, The Gondoliers, 2005 the infant prince kidnapped and brought to Venice to be raised incognito. Now, 20 years later, it’s time for that now-grown-up prince to claim the throne of Barataria, and for Casilda to reign with him as queen. The missing King of Barataria is in fact one of two gondoliers – which is a bit of problem as they just married Gianetta and Tessa. But which of them is the King? And what will happen to the “wife” whose husband was already married? Meanwhile, the Duke has come up with a scheme to raise money – he’s going to incorporate himself and sell shares!
Also coming up this season...
It seems we have a boat themed season in store for you! In addition to our main stage productions of H.M.S. Pinafore and The Gondoliers, we’ll be celebrating Frederic’s 2012 leap year birthday with a Singalong The Pirates of Penzance at both the Presentation Theater in San Francisco, and the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek. Both birthday parties will be slightly belated, being held at the beginning of March. Patrons are invited to sing along with all parts as loudly or as quietly as they wish. Come dressed as a pirate or a fair maiden, in something completely unrelated, or just as yourself! This and our 46th Annual Champagne Gala will be offered as add-ons to a regular season subscription at a discounted subscriber price (when purchased at the same time as a subscription). Which leads us nicely to...
Subscriber Benefits!
In addition to receiving the first choice of the best seats and discounted ticket prices, subscribers (and only subscribers) have the privilege of changing tickets from one performance to another so you don’t have to worry about what you’ll be doing in January when you purchase: If you are changing performance dates but staying in the same theatre the box office of that theatre will make the switch for you. If you are changing between subscription venues, mail your tickets to The Lamplighters’ office at P.O. Box 77367, San Francisco 94107, fax a copy of them to 415-896-2844; or email a copy to info@lamplighters.org. We request a minimum notice of 48 hours.
The Third Annual Hidden Treasures - A Proven Delight!
On Sunday, May 22, friends and supporters of The Lamplighters were indulged and entertained at Hidden Treasures – a special event that showcased the amazing diversity of our performers and raised funds for pressing artistic needs. The afternoon began with a jolly “Tea-Cup Brindisi” from The Sorcerer. Among the 17 musical numbers was a generous sampling from Broadway and the great American songbook as well as arias and lieder. Gourmet dishes, served by company members, included petit sandwiches, savories, tartlets, scones and cookies. Tea and wine flowed freely. Bidders at the auction eagerly competed for enticing adventures! 33 generous donors came forward to underwrite costumes and millinery for this summer’s H.M.S. Pinafore. They were richly rewarded with applause from the audience and even kisses from some of the performers!
Novellus Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, SF January 20 - 22 Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek January 27 - 29
photo: Rhys Cheung, Hidden Treasures, 2010
In addition to raising spirits, Hidden Treasures raised nearly $16,000 for artist’s fees and the costume fund. Thank you to all who participated!
New Gilbert & Sullivan Tie Designs
The Lamplighters have been creating a collection of fun and stylish ties depicting the Savoy Operas, from Trial by Jury to The Grand Duke. The latest additions to the collection are (from left to right) The Yeomen of the Guard (on navy), Trial by Jury (on light grey), H.M.S. Pinafore (on royal blue), and The Pirates of Penzance (on charcoal grey). Exclusive to and designed by The Lamplighters, these ties are 100% silk and cost only $25 each plus shipping/ handling. We also have them on sale at most performances. Other designs available are The Mikado, Iolanthe, and Patience. We’ll have The Gondoliers available very soon as well as some Lamplighters socks! Send an email to info@ lamplighters.org or call us at 415-227-4797 to place an order while supplies last. photo: Joanne Kay, Lamplighters 2011
Wish List
Support to The Lamplighters can be given in many ways. The following is a short list of items and services that would greatly assist our staff in their work. If you are interested in donating any items on this list please contact us at the production office at info@lamplighters.org or 415-227-4797. A quality digital SLR camera, a handheld digital video recorder, dress forms (particularly women’s size 14 or 16), masonite sheets for our rehearsal floor, local warehouse space, a dust buster, heavy duty tall wooden bookshelves, a PC running Windows XP or later.
Salute to Our Trial by Jury/Engaged Sponsors Thanks to the following law firms we were able to produce a special production last season - Gilbert & Sullivan’s Trial by Jury coupled with Gilbert’s comic play Engaged. We are most grateful to have been gifted this opportunity. Thank you!
For over 65 years, Carr McClellan has been a premier law firm in Burlingame serving individuals and businesses throughout Northern California and beyond. Our clients include high net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, privately-held businesses, non-profit corporations, and divisions of publicly-held corporations. We strive to provide exceptional legal service achieving results for every client, every day. We listen carefully to client needs, bring in-depth experience and excellent professional skills to each phase of representation, and deliver effective, high-value solutions.
We serve multiple client needs in the following areas: Business Litigation; Corporate and Business Law; Construction Law & Construction Litigation; Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy; Employment Law; Estate Planning, Trusts, and Wealth Transfer; Exempt Organizations; Intellectual Property; Healthcare; Real Estate; Taxation; Trust, Estate & Fiduciary Litigation. Carr McClellan attorneys have consistently garnered the Martindale Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ rating, awarded only to the most exceptional attorneys through a peer review rating. For more information, please visit www.carr-mcclellan.com.
Hanson Bridgett has been a San Francisco and California mainstay since 1958. With over 150 attorneys today, we have grown steadily through the years. And while our offices are based in Northern California, our clients span national and international borders. To serve our clients’ evolving needs, we are proud to be a member of the Globalaw international legal network. This relationship gives us access to lawyers at firms in 165 major jurisdictions around the world and provides critical international resources for our clients. We care deeply about our clients and their businesses. We strive to provide exceptional service, deliver the highest-quality work, and achieve the best results - all as measured by our clients’ business goals. All of us at Hanson Bridgett care deeply about the world around us. We are committed to the communities in which we live and work, and we are a dedicated sustainable business. We feel privileged to have the opportunity to do good work for great clients. With that privilege, we feel there comes a significant responsibility to give back in whatever ways we can. For more information, please visit www.hansonbridgett.com.
For over 60 years, Severson & Werson has provided consistent, reliable, unwavering support to its clients. The ethic at Severson is service in its best, truest sense. Severson lawyers are taught to listen closely, consider fully, and then provide honest, straightforward advice and advocacy. Severson has over 100 attorneys and offices in San Francisco, Walnut Creek and Orange County. The firm constantly strives to become and remain a valued component of its clients’ support teams. For many years, the firm has been an integral part in the growth and health of the modern financial services and insurance industries. As a result, Severson has developed depth and expertise in consumer class action litigation that is unsurpassed. Responding to client demands and needs has also led to Severson’s expertise in areas such as employment practices, real estate, legal malpractice defense, professional liability and other areas. Severson recognizes that litigation is only one component of the legal support necessary to serve its clients. As a result, Severson has become a trusted advisor and counselor to many of its clients as they chart their respective business plans. For more information, please visit www.severson.com.
The Gondoliers
The Gondoliers was a huge hit in its day - the greatest success of Gilbert & Sullivan’s joint career along with The Mikado. It opened in December 1889 and ran for 559 performances. Queen Victoria requested a Royal Command Performance at Windsor Castle, and loved it. She particularly enjoyed the line “tis a glorious thing, I ween, to be a regular, royal queen!” The show has always been a favorite of British audiences and, while it’s often performed in America, it never quite attained the popularity of The Mikado or The Pirates of Penzance here – probably because the plot depends so heavily on the audience’s shared belief that a monarchy is the natural order of things, and that “republicanism” – in the lower-case R sense of the word – is something that’s pretty ridiculous. Americans tend to see it the other way around. Also, a lot of the humor is based on the collision of two cultures – one royalist and upper-class, one working-class and democratic. Again, this concept may not come as naturally to Americans – but we can still enjoy the humor and the music. The Gondoliers shows Sullivan at his musical peak. He had complained for years that Gilbert’s words always took precedence, and that the music was somehow in second place. In The Gondoliers, the music is allowed to blossom more than in any of their other collaborations. The impoverished Duke of Plaza-Toro and his Duchess have brought their daughter Casilda to Venice. The Duke and Duchess are broke but looking forward to a brighter future: when Casilda was a baby, she was married to an infant prince, the heir to the throne of Barataria. Due to political and religious problems in Barataria, the Grand Inquisitor had photo: David Allen, The Gondoliers, 2005 the infant prince kidnapped and brought to Venice to be raised incognito. Now, 20 years later, it’s time for that now-grown-up prince to claim the throne of Barataria, and for Casilda to reign with him as queen. The missing King of Barataria is in fact one of two gondoliers – which is a bit of problem as they just married Gianetta and Tessa. But which of them is the King? And what will happen to the “wife” whose husband was already married? Meanwhile, the Duke has come up with a scheme to raise money – he’s going to incorporate himself and sell shares!
Also coming up this season...
It seems we have a boat themed season in store for you! In addition to our main stage productions of H.M.S. Pinafore and The Gondoliers, we’ll be celebrating Frederic’s 2012 leap year birthday with a Singalong The Pirates of Penzance at both the Presentation Theater in San Francisco, and the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek. Both birthday parties will be slightly belated, being held at the beginning of March. Patrons are invited to sing along with all parts as loudly or as quietly as they wish. Come dressed as a pirate or a fair maiden, in something completely unrelated, or just as yourself! This and our 46th Annual Champagne Gala will be offered as add-ons to a regular season subscription at a discounted subscriber price (when purchased at the same time as a subscription). Which leads us nicely to...
Subscriber Benefits!
In addition to receiving the first choice of the best seats and discounted ticket prices, subscribers (and only subscribers) have the privilege of changing tickets from one performance to another so you don’t have to worry about what you’ll be doing in January when you purchase: If you are changing performance dates but staying in the same theatre the box office of that theatre will make the switch for you. If you are changing between subscription venues, mail your tickets to The Lamplighters’ office at P.O. Box 77367, San Francisco 94107, fax a copy of them to 415-896-2844; or email a copy to info@lamplighters.org. We request a minimum notice of 48 hours.
The Third Annual Hidden Treasures - A Proven Delight!
On Sunday, May 22, friends and supporters of The Lamplighters were indulged and entertained at Hidden Treasures – a special event that showcased the amazing diversity of our performers and raised funds for pressing artistic needs. The afternoon began with a jolly “Tea-Cup Brindisi” from The Sorcerer. Among the 17 musical numbers was a generous sampling from Broadway and the great American songbook as well as arias and lieder. Gourmet dishes, served by company members, included petit sandwiches, savories, tartlets, scones and cookies. Tea and wine flowed freely. Bidders at the auction eagerly competed for enticing adventures! 33 generous donors came forward to underwrite costumes and millinery for this summer’s H.M.S. Pinafore. They were richly rewarded with applause from the audience and even kisses from some of the performers!
Novellus Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, SF January 20 - 22 Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek January 27 - 29
photo: Rhys Cheung, Hidden Treasures, 2010
In addition to raising spirits, Hidden Treasures raised nearly $16,000 for artist’s fees and the costume fund. Thank you to all who participated!
New Gilbert & Sullivan Tie Designs
The Lamplighters have been creating a collection of fun and stylish ties depicting the Savoy Operas, from Trial by Jury to The Grand Duke. The latest additions to the collection are (from left to right) The Yeomen of the Guard (on navy), Trial by Jury (on light grey), H.M.S. Pinafore (on royal blue), and The Pirates of Penzance (on charcoal grey). Exclusive to and designed by The Lamplighters, these ties are 100% silk and cost only $25 each plus shipping/ handling. We also have them on sale at most performances. Other designs available are The Mikado, Iolanthe, and Patience. We’ll have The Gondoliers available very soon as well as some Lamplighters socks! Send an email to info@ lamplighters.org or call us at 415-227-4797 to place an order while supplies last. photo: Joanne Kay, Lamplighters 2011
Wish List
Support to The Lamplighters can be given in many ways. The following is a short list of items and services that would greatly assist our staff in their work. If you are interested in donating any items on this list please contact us at the production office at info@lamplighters.org or 415-227-4797. A quality digital SLR camera, a handheld digital video recorder, dress forms (particularly women’s size 14 or 16), masonite sheets for our rehearsal floor, local warehouse space, a dust buster, heavy duty tall wooden bookshelves, a PC running Windows XP or later.
Salute to Our Trial by Jury/Engaged Sponsors Thanks to the following law firms we were able to produce a special production last season - Gilbert & Sullivan’s Trial by Jury coupled with Gilbert’s comic play Engaged. We are most grateful to have been gifted this opportunity. Thank you!
For over 65 years, Carr McClellan has been a premier law firm in Burlingame serving individuals and businesses throughout Northern California and beyond. Our clients include high net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, privately-held businesses, non-profit corporations, and divisions of publicly-held corporations. We strive to provide exceptional legal service achieving results for every client, every day. We listen carefully to client needs, bring in-depth experience and excellent professional skills to each phase of representation, and deliver effective, high-value solutions.
We serve multiple client needs in the following areas: Business Litigation; Corporate and Business Law; Construction Law & Construction Litigation; Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy; Employment Law; Estate Planning, Trusts, and Wealth Transfer; Exempt Organizations; Intellectual Property; Healthcare; Real Estate; Taxation; Trust, Estate & Fiduciary Litigation. Carr McClellan attorneys have consistently garnered the Martindale Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ rating, awarded only to the most exceptional attorneys through a peer review rating. For more information, please visit www.carr-mcclellan.com.
Hanson Bridgett has been a San Francisco and California mainstay since 1958. With over 150 attorneys today, we have grown steadily through the years. And while our offices are based in Northern California, our clients span national and international borders. To serve our clients’ evolving needs, we are proud to be a member of the Globalaw international legal network. This relationship gives us access to lawyers at firms in 165 major jurisdictions around the world and provides critical international resources for our clients. We care deeply about our clients and their businesses. We strive to provide exceptional service, deliver the highest-quality work, and achieve the best results - all as measured by our clients’ business goals. All of us at Hanson Bridgett care deeply about the world around us. We are committed to the communities in which we live and work, and we are a dedicated sustainable business. We feel privileged to have the opportunity to do good work for great clients. With that privilege, we feel there comes a significant responsibility to give back in whatever ways we can. For more information, please visit www.hansonbridgett.com.
For over 60 years, Severson & Werson has provided consistent, reliable, unwavering support to its clients. The ethic at Severson is service in its best, truest sense. Severson lawyers are taught to listen closely, consider fully, and then provide honest, straightforward advice and advocacy. Severson has over 100 attorneys and offices in San Francisco, Walnut Creek and Orange County. The firm constantly strives to become and remain a valued component of its clients’ support teams. For many years, the firm has been an integral part in the growth and health of the modern financial services and insurance industries. As a result, Severson has developed depth and expertise in consumer class action litigation that is unsurpassed. Responding to client demands and needs has also led to Severson’s expertise in areas such as employment practices, real estate, legal malpractice defense, professional liability and other areas. Severson recognizes that litigation is only one component of the legal support necessary to serve its clients. As a result, Severson has become a trusted advisor and counselor to many of its clients as they chart their respective business plans. For more information, please visit www.severson.com.
P.O. Box 77367, San Francisco, CA 94107 415-227-4797 www.lamplighters.org
Address Service Requested
Volume 33, Number 1 New Look for The Women of H.M.S. Pinafore Nov 7, 2011
Schools Program review by Scott Hayes
My wife, Kitty, and I had the privilege of attending two performances of scenes from H.M.S. Pinafore, presented by The Lamplighters, for students at San Rafael High School and Terra Linda High School. We found the 40 minute presentation to be highly entertaining and, at the same time, an example of fine teaching. The students seemed to love the performance, and enjoyed having the opportunity to participate. The students had been prepared in advance with the help of materials sent to them by The Lamplighters. Before the performance Jennifer Ashworth gave the students who were participating a short rehearsal. Those students were the school chorus, a vocal percussion group (who helped demonstrate how rap and Gilbert & Sullivan patter songs can coincide) and a few students dressed as sailors - including a Dick Deadeye, who made the most of his one-sided hump, his dragging foot, and dead eye!).
photo: Lamplighters, Washington Elementary School, 2010
The three leads - Jennifer, Andy Truett, and Lawrence Ewing - were in full costume and great voice, and gave their
January, 2012
professional-all to the students. Their narration of the story between songs was both humorous and interesting; the students’ participation charming, and Music Director Baker Peeples contributed his usual masterful accompaniments. As Kitty and I were leaving the theatre following each performance, we felt that this program is an ideal way to introduce young students to Gilbert & Sullivan and, at the same time, create future audiences. We strongly urge all fans of G&S to contact your local schools and tell them of this program, (ably administered by Ellen Kerrigan), with a minimal cost of only $150.00 per performance!! Encourage local schools to contact Ellen at 415-661-4530. By doing so you will be helping to promote the future of G&S as well as bringing a cultural treat to students, from kindergarten through grade 12.
Congratulations Laura!
Congratulations to Lamplighter Laura Sanders for winning the high school division of The American Prize in Vocal Performance - The Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards in Opera. Laura played Mary in our 2008 The Secret Garden, is often seen in the ladies’ chorus of our main stage productions, and has been a regular participant in our Gilbert & Sullivan’s Scenes program, run in collaboration with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Summer Music West. In fact one of Laura’s four videos in her winning submission was a performance from last summer’s G&S Scenes program of The Sun whose Rays are All Ablaze from The Mikado. Well done!
In 1980, The Lamplighters created a new vision of H.M.S. Pinafore that included sparkling new designs by John C. Gilkerson. In the 31 years and multiple productions that have been staged since, those costumes have been re-used, re-vitalized and re-purposed. As wonderful as those costumes were, they could only last for so long. Now, thanks in part to the generous donations of our supporters and a unique collaboration with the Fashion Department of Cañada College in Redwood City, this summer’s production will once again set sail with a fresh new look. In order to build new costumes on such a large scale a creative solution was needed. This came in the form of the “Costuming for Theatrical Production” class offered as part of the Theater Costuming Certificate at Cañada’s Fashion Design Dept. The certificate is the brainchild of Lamplighter’s own Judy Jackson MacIlvaine, who is an instructor in the Fashion Design program. The new program trains students in the skills of costume design photos: Cañada College, 2011 and production, and the opportunity to work on an actual production is a crucial element. Matching a classroom full of eager students to the needs of the company for some beautiful new costumes was a perfect fit. According to Ronda Chaney, chair of the Fashion Program, “This is a wonderful opportunity for community college students to utilize what they have learned in their Cañada College fashion classes. Students are designing, developing patterns, fitting, constructing and altering the garments for H.M.S. Pinafore... this real life experience is valuable for those wishing a career in theater costuming.” Judy’s new designs are set in the period of the “Belle Époque,” the optimistic years at the end of the 19th century. The ladies will be dressed in their finest nautical summer frocks, ready to accompany their favorite relative, Sir Joseph Porter. There will be sisters,
Spring/Summer 2011 cousins and aunts of all ages on board, from young girls and teenagers to an elderly aunt who attempts to keep everyone in line. And of course, Josephine will be decked out in the finest modern turn-of-the-century fashions from Harrod’s. The cost of new materials are being partially offset by special fundraising events, from last fall’s Gala Fund-a-Need auction to this spring’s Hidden Treasures performance and auction. It’s not too late to join the committed group of fans who have made an investment in creating these beautiful new costumes! Contact Mike Zimmerman at mzimmerman@lamplighters.org or 415-227-4797 if you would like to contribute. “I’ve been a fan of The Lamplighters for decades and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work on costumes for H.M.S. Pinafore... I have always been delighted by Lamplighter performances. However, through the Cañada course I have had the chance to appreciate the imagination, energy, resourcefulness and skill brought to bear by the stalwarts in the Costume Shop. They are essential underpinnings, and I’m thrilled to be able to help them in some small way!”
- Melody Singleton, student
Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek July 22 - 24 Lincoln Theatre Napa Valley, Yountville July 30 - 31 Novellus Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, SF August 5 - 7 Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View August 13 - 14 Bankhead Theatre, Livermore August 20 - 21