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or, The Slave of Duty
Words by William S. Gilbert Music by Arthur Sullivan
First Performed at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, New York, NY, December 31, 1879
Director & Conductor: Albert Bergeret
Choreography: Bill Fabris
Producer: David Wannen
Scenic Design: Albère
Costume Design: Quinto Ott & Gail J. Wofford
Lighting Design: Benjamin Weill
Production Stage Manager: Genevieve Bergeret
Assistant Stage Manager: Bryan Patrick Stoyle
Artistic Director/General Manager Albert Bergeret
Executive Director David Wannen
Director of Administration & Box Office ............................................................. Joseph Rubin
Associate Artistic Director James Mills
Company Manager .............................................................................................. Michael Galante
Development Associate Sarah Caldwell Smith
Wardrobe Gail J. Wofford, Annette Dieli
Company Photographers ....................... Danny Bristoll, William Reynolds, Carol Rosegg
Orchestra Contractor Larry Tietze
The photographing or sound recording of this performance or possession of any device for such photographing or sound recording is prohibited.
Major-General Stanley ................................................................................................ James Mills*
The Pirate King Matthew Wages*
Samuel (His Lieutenant) ....................................................................................... Camilo Estrada
Frederic (The Pirate Apprentice) Alex Corson Sergeant of Police David Auxier*
Mabel ............................................................................................ Sarah Caldwell Smith*
Edith (Major-General Stanley’s Wards) Elisabeth Cernadas*
Kate Katie Hall
Isabel ......................................................................................................... Laura Sudduth*
Ruth (Pirate Maid-of-all work) Hannah Holmes*
Caitlin Borek*, Michael J. Connolly*, Hannah Eakin*, Michael Galante, Sarah Hutchison* Alexandra Imbrosci-Viera*, Sabrina Lopez, John Charles McLaughlin*, Lance Olds*, Logan Pitts, Michelle Seipel*, Cameron Smith, David Wannen* Dance Captain: David Auxier*
Violin I: Valery Levy (concert chair), Ellen Gronningen, Jill Jaffe, Peter Borten
Violin II: Barney Stevens, Alyson Whalen Viola: Carol Benner Cello: Daryl Goldberg Bass: Deb Spohnheimer Flute: Margaret Swinchoski Oboe: Nancy Ranger
Clarinet: Larry Tietze, Joan Porter Bassoon: Susan Shaw
Horn: Stephen Quint Trumpet: Terry Szor Trombone: Steve Shulman Percussion: Ingrid Gordon
ACT I - A Rocky Seashore on the Coast of Cornwall
ACT II - A Ruined Chapel by Moonlight
There will be one fifteen minute intermission. Latecomers will be seated at an appropriate interval in the performance.
*These Actors and Stage Managers are members of the Actor’s Equity Association, the union of professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
When Frederic was still a little boy, his nurse (Ruth) was told to apprentice him to become a pilot. She heard the word incorrectly and apprenticed him to a band of pirates, remaining with them herself as a maid-of-all-work. Although Frederic loathed the trade to which he had thus been bound, he dutifully served. As the curtain rises, his indentures are up and he announces his intention to leave the band and devote himself to the extermination of piracy. He urges the pirates to join him in embracing a more lawful calling, but they refuse. Ruth, however, wishes to become his wife. Having seen but few women during his pirate life at sea, Frederic hesitates to accept a woman so much older than himself, but he finally consents to take her.
Just then a group of girls, all the wards of Major-General Stanley, happen upon the scene. Frederic sees their beauty - and Ruth’s plainness - and renounces her. Of these girls, Mabel takes a particular interest in Frederic, and he in her. The other girls are seized by the pirates and threatened with immediate marriage. When the Major-General arrives, he can dissuade the pirates only by a ruse: he tells them that he is an orphan, and so works upon their sympathies that they let him and his wards go free.
During the ensuing days and nights, however, this lie troubles the MajorGeneral’s conscience. He sits brooding over it at night in a ruined chapel. He is consoled by his wards’ sympathy and Frederic’s plan of immediately leading a band of police against the pirates. The police are reluctant, but Frederic is still enthusiastic.
Meanwhile the Pirate King and Ruth seek out Frederic with surprising news. They have discovered that his indentures were to run until his twenty first birthday, and—as he was born in Leap Year on February 29th—he has really had as yet only five birthdays. Obeying the dictates of his strong sense of duty, he immediately rejoins the pirates and tells them of the deception that has been practiced upon them by Major-General Stanley. The Pirate King and Ruth storm off threatening revenge, and Frederic sadly bids Mabel farewell.
When Mabel tells the police of this change they comment on their unfortunate lot, then decide to hide. The pirates storm the chapel, seize the MajorGeneral, and easily defeat the unarmed policemen; however, when requested to yield “in Queen Victoria’s name,” they do so at once. Ruth reveals that these apparently lawless pirates are “all noblemen who have gone wrong.” The Major-General pardons all and allows them to marry his wards.
“Pour, O Pour the Pirate Sherry” (Opening Chorus and Solo) Pirates and Samuel “When Frederic Was A Little Lad” (Solo) Ruth
“Oh, Better Far to Live and Die” (Solo and Chorus) Pirate King and Pirates
“Oh, False One, You Have Deceived Me!” (Recitative and Duet) Frederic and Ruth
“Climbing Over Rocky Mountain” (Chorus and Solos) Girls, Edith, and Kate
“Stop, Ladies, Pray!” (Recitative and Chorus)
Frederic, Edith, Kate and Girls
“Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast” (Solos and Chorus) .................. Frederic, Mabel and Girls
“Poor Wandering One!” (Solo and Chorus) Mabel and Girls
“What Ought We To Do” (Solos and Chorus) .................................................................. Edith, Kate and Girls
“How Beautifully Blue the Sky” (Chattering Chorus and Duet) Girls, Mabel and Frederic “Stay, We Must Not Lose Our Senses” (Recitative and Chorus) ........... Frederic, Girls and Pirates
“Hold, Monsters!” (Recitative and Chorus) Mabel, Samuel, Major-General, Girls and Pirates
“I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General” (Solo and Chorus) ................. ...Major-General Girls, and Pirates
“Oh, Men of Dark and Dismal Fate” (Finale of Act 1) ................................................................ Ensemble
“Oh, Dry the Glistening Tear” (Opening Chorus and Solo) Girls and Mabel
“Then, Frederic, Let Your Escort Lion-Hearted” (Recitative) Major-General and Frederic
“When the Foeman Bares His Steel” (Solos and Chorus) Sergeant, Mabel, Edith, Kate
Major-General, Police and Girls
“Now for the Pirates’ Lair!” (Recitative) Frederic, Pirate King and Ruth
“When You Had Left Our Pirate Fold” (Solos, Trio and Chant)...... Ruth, Frederic and Pirate King
“Away, Away! My Heart’s on Fire” (Trio) Ruth, Frederic, and Pirate King
“All Is Prepared” (Recitative) ......................................................................................... Mabel and Frederic
“Stay, Frederic, Stay!” (Duet) Mabel and Frederic
“No, I Am Brave!” (Recitative, Solo, and Chorus) ........................................... Mabel, Sergeant and Police
“When A Felon’s Not Engaged in his Employment” (Solo and Chorus) Sergeant and Police
“A Rollicking Band of Pirates We” (Chorus and Solo) ......................... Pirates, Sergeant and Police
“With Cat-like Tread, Upon Our Prey We Steal” (Chorus and Solo) Pirates, Police and Samuel
“Hush, Hush! Not A Word” (Recitative, Chorus and Solo) Frederic, Pirates, Police and Major-General
“Sighing Softly to the River” (Ballad and Finale of Act II) Major-General and Ensemble
New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: The Pirates of Penzance
DAVID AUXIER (Sergeant of Police) 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
CAITLIN BOREK (Ensemble) is thrilled to return to NYGASP for their touring season. She’s been a part of 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
ELISABETH CERNADAS (Edith) NYGASP: Pirates of Penzance (Kate), Mikado, HMS Pinafore, also national tours; Ruddigore, Iolanthe, Utopia, Limited, Grand Duke (Bertha), Patience, Yeomen of the Guard Regional: New York Fringe Festival, New York Musical Theater Festival, Algonquin Arts Theater, Jarvis Conservatory, Bay Area Classical Harmonies, Godspell (Joanne) and The Full Monty (Estelle) at Ivoryton Playhouse, Cinderella (Cinderella) with Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife).
International: Festival Lyrique en Mer, Belle Ile (France), International G&S Festival (England). MM in Vocal Performance from Manhattan School of Music. Love to Joel, Immie & Angi.
MICHAEL J. CONNOLLY (Ensemble) 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 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.
ALEX CORSON (Frederic) made his NYGASP principal debut as Frederic in March 2018. Alex has been a member of the company since 2012 and has also appeared with Light Opera of New Jersey, New Jersey State Opera, New Jersey Youth Theatre, and others. Credits include Ernesto (Don Pasquale), Frederic (Pirates of Penzance), Ralph (H.M.S. Pinafore), Marco (The Gondoliers), Monostatos (The Magic Flute), Mercury/Orpheus (Orpheus in the Underworld), and Tony (West Side Story).
HANNAH EAKIN (Ensemble) Last seen in the 2022 productions of Pirates and The Gondoliers, Hannah is delighted to return for a third show with NYGASP. Favorite credits include: Borderland (Roulette Intermedium), Outside of Eden (New Ohio Theater), Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, The Bridges of Madison County (Arkansas Repertory Theatre); Mary Poppins, Tarzan, Singin’ in the Rain, Fiddler on the Roof (Barn Theatre); Sister Act (Westchester Broadway Theatre). Also a filmmaker and writer, her work has been recognized by PAGE International Screenwriting Awards and ScreenCraft Drama Screenplay Competition, among others. Proud graduate of Oklahoma City University. www.hannaheakin.com
CAMILO ESTRADA (Samuel) is a proud NYGASP member since 2016! NYGASP productions include The Yeomen of the
Guard (Ensemble), The Pirates of Penzance (Samuel/Ensemble), and The Mikado (Ensemble/Nanki-Poo US). Other credits include Quillén (Quillén) at NY Theater Festival Winterfest, Aladdin (Aladdin: A Musical Panto) with People’s Light, Orlando Calderon (Anxiety Stew) at the Cherry Lane Theater, and Pásek (Příhody lišky Bystroušky) with dell’Arte Opera Ensemble. Camilo holds his BFA in Vocal Performance from Carnegie Mellon University.
MICHAEL GALANTE (Ensemble) NYGASP since 1987! Michael has performed the entire G&S canon and The Rose of Persia with NYGASP. Credits include Lord Dramaleigh in Utopia, Limited, and Francesco in The Gondoliers. Other theatre credits include: Flute (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Fenton (The Merry Wives of Windsor), Lennie (Of Mice and Men) and Moonface (Anything Goes). Michael was the 2008-2009 recipient of NYGASP’s Isaac Asimov Award for Artistic Achievement.
KATIE HALL (Kate) A NYGASP alto since the turn of the century, roles include Kate (Pirates), Chloe (Princess Ida), Ruth (Ruddigore) and other show-stealing turns as Contadina, Yeowoman, Titiputian, South Pacific Island Viviparian, General’s Daughter, Admiral’s Aunt, Sultan’s Sister-Wife and an assortment of Bridesmaids (Amateur and Pro). Katie was honored to be the 2016-17 recipient of NYGASP’s Isaac Asimov Award.
HANNAH HOLMES (Ruth) joined NYGASP in 2016, and has since performed in The Mikado (Katisha), Patience (Lady Jane), Pirates (Edith), H.M.S. Pinafore (Hebe), Ruddigore, and Iolanthe. An Iowa native, Hannah’s love for G&S began at Ohio Light Opera, where she performed both Ruth and Kate (Pirates), and Vittoria (Gondoliers). Recent credits include Roxane (Cyrano) and Madame Cecile (Mademoiselle Modiste) with the Victor Herbert Renaissance Project. She performed in the 2023 Bard Opera production of SaintSaëns’ Henri VIII, and works regularly with professional choral ensembles including the Clarion Choir and the Bard Festival Chorale.
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 Award-winning 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...”
(Ensemble) is thrilled to join NYGASP on their Pirates of Penzance tour. New York: Pirates of Penzance (NYGASP), Quillén (New York Theatre Festival), All Kinds of People (Inside Broadway), Sueños: Our American Musical (NYTB, New Works). Select regional: Josh Groban’s Bridges tour, Patchogue Theater, WPPAC, RedHouse Arts Center, Music Theatre of Connecticut, Finger Lakes Opera, Wagon Wheel, Carnegie Hall. Past credits include Maria (West Side Story), Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods), Lucille (Parade), Hope Harcourt (Anything Goes), Meg/Clarissa (Little Women). Love to Mom, Dad, and Eric. Follow along on Instagram: @alex_imbrosci_viera
SABRINA LOPEZ (Ensemble) was born and raised in Central California and moved to NYC in 2021. She graduated from the American Academy of the Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles in 2019 where she played Veronica in Heathers, Henry V (II,i) and Captain Gower in Henry V, and Meg Magrath in Crimes of the Heart. Throughout the pandemic Sabrina helped produce online productions of Arms and the Man as Raina and Enemy of the People as Katherine. Sabrina has extensive experience in musical theatre including Esmeralda in Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Yum-Yum in The Mikado
JOHN CHARLES McLAUGHLIN (Ensemble) NYGASP since 2013 in The Mikado, Ruddigore, Princess Ida, and Yeomen of the Guard. Recently seen as John Lawless in The Happiest Millionaire 50th Anniversary
Concert (Joe’s Pub), Crackskull Row (Irish Repertory Theatre), Hard Times, Peter/ Wendy, and The Biscuit Club (the cell theatre). Other regional credits include Passion (Arden Theatre Co.) and My Fair Lady (Cardinal Stage). Originally from Hammond, IN, he is a graduate of Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music and a member of Actors’ Equity Association. www.jcmclaughlin.com
JAMES MILLS (Major-General Stanley) is the 2019/2020 recipient of the Isaac Asimov Award for Artistic Achievement. Entire G&S canon onstage with NYGASP, as well as stage managing, tech directing, and associate directing. Recently: Sir Joseph Porter KCB, (H.M.S. Pinafore), Lord Chancellor (Iolanthe), Jack Point (Yeomen), John Wellington Wells (Sorcerer), & Major-General Stanley (Pirates). 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. NYGASP since 1997. Isaac Asimov Award for Artistic Achievement recipient 2017-18. Credits include Deadeye (Pinafore), Antonio (Gondoliers), Calynx (Utopia, Limited), and Strephon (Iolanthe with Light Opera Company of Salisbury). First National Tour: Footloose. Off-Broadway: Mark Twain’s Blues. 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
LOGAN PITTS (Ensemble) is an NYC-based director, performer, and collaborative artist across theater, opera, film, dance, and music. Favorites: as a Director – Barbecue (SUNY Conservatory), Paradise Blue (Gloucester Stage), Noir Femme Avengers (Harlem9). As a Baritone – Bran Castle (Signature), Bach & Bleach (LaMaMa), West Side Story (Cap21), On the Town (Waxler), ALICE (Tank). As an Actor – The Light Years (NYSAF), I Am Antigone (Theater for a New City), N’MoTion
(ARTPARK). As a NYGASPer – Yeomen, Iolanthe, Mikado, Pinafore, Pirates, Patience, Gondoliers
MICHELLE SEIPEL (Ensemble) NYGASP company member since 2012, most recently seen as Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore and Casilda in The Gondoliers. This past fall 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! nationaltour, Nellie Forbush (South Pacific, Asheville Lyric Opera.) More at www.michelleseipel.com.
SARAH CALDWELL SMITH (Mabel) has performed the full G&S canon with NYGASP! Ms. Smith’s principal roles include Patience (Patience), Yum-Yum (The Mikado), Rose Maybud (Ruddigore), Gianetta (The Gondoliers), and Constance (The Sorcerer), among others. Sarah also tours with NYGASP’s award-winning cabaret, I’ve Got a Little Twist! NYC: City Center Encores! (Music in the Air), VHRP LIVE! (title roles in Mademoiselle Modiste, Naughty Marietta, and The Fortune Teller, Grace Holbrook in The Princess Pat, and Gretchen in The Red Mill), Blondchen (Die Entführung aus dem Seraglio). Graduate of Manhattan School of Music and NYGASP’s Asimov Award Recipient. Love to Daniel, Cora, and Elsie.
CAMERON SMITH (Ensemble) 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.
LAURA SUDDUTH (Isabel) Laura 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 roles performed span opera, operetta, musicals and plays, including Anne in A Little Night Music, Amor in L’Incoronazione di Poppea, and Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro (Pacific Opera TheatreUOP).
MATTHEW WAGES (The Pirate King) 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, PoohBah, 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! Numerous independent films and shorts. Traveled to 36 countries. Love to Kenji, Jo Jo & Kento. Keep up to date: MatthewWages.com, FB: The Matthew Wages, IG: @MatthewWages.
DAVID WANNEN (Ensemble) 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; CoProducer & Original Cast, I’ve Got a Little Twist!; Executive Director, NYGASP.
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 45-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.
GENEVIEVE BERGERET (Production Stage Manager) Genevieve has stage managed the “big three” for NYGASP, performed the role of Fleta in Iolanthe, as well as many ensemble roles throughout the canon. Oberlin Gilbert and Sullivan Players: Princess Ida (Director), Patience (Saphir), H.M.S. Pinafore (Hebe). Williamstown Theater Festival Apprentice. Genevieve is the daughter of NYGASP founders, Gail Wofford and Albert Bergeret.
ANNETTE DIELI (Wardrobe) Credits include crew for Hartford Stage Co., costume assistant at Bronx Opera, Artistic Director of her own puppet company, Assistant stage manager for New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players at City Center and national touring venues. Completed the entire canon of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. Stage Manager: A Brand-New World at The Three Act Theater Company, Separate Tables at Out of the Box Theatre Company. Assistant Stage Manager: The End of Hester at New Light Theater Project. Wardrobe for several NYMF productions.
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.
QUINTO OTT (Costume Designer) is a Tucson, AZ native, a graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington, and has been a NYGASP company member since 2009. He has redesigned, repaired, rebuilt, and replaced pieces from many of the company’s other wonderful productions including The Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, and Iolanthe. Ott also works as a freelance costumer and has built costumes for many regional and national productions including the North American tours of Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, and The Phantom of the Opera. Ott is currently on tour in the The Lion King and designed and built this production from hotel rooms across America. www.quintoott.com
BRIAN PATRICK STOYLE ( Assistant Stage Manager ) Bryan is excited to return to
NYGASP after serving as Assistant Tech Director for the company’s Spring 2023 tour. In addition to working behind the scenes, Bryan is an actor, writer and audiobook narrator. Proud member of SAG-AFTRA. 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 charity Compass House, a shelter for at-risk youth.
DAVID WANNEN (Executive Director) is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music in vocal performance and holds a postbaccalaureate in business from Columbia University. Mr. Wannen is a veteran of the NYGASP stage and a member of the NYGASP board of directors. Mr. Wannen is producer of the all-new 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.
BENJAMIN WEILL (Lighting Designer) has been the resident lighting designer for NYGASP for the past 10 years. He loves being a 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 shows such as Gianni Schicchi, Jekyll & Hyde, Little Shop of Horrors, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Misérables, South Pacific, The Goat, Songs for a New World, Into the Woods, Book of Days, The Crucible, Cloud 9, Cyrano de Bergerac
GAIL J. WOFFORD (Costume Designer/CoFounder of NYGASP) holds a Masters of Arts in Theatre Arts from Texas Tech University. As resident costume designer, she designed
May 10, 2024
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.
The Pirates of Penzance hardly needs an introduction. Long before Joe Papp’s Broadway production and major motion picture added renewed popularity, this engaging operetta had established itself as one of the best loved pieces of musical theatre in the English speaking world.
The Pirates of Penzance was the only Gilbert & Sullivan opus to receive its premiere here in the USA. In a vain attempt to secure an international copyright for their work, the celebrated team brought their fifth collaboration to The Fifth Avenue Theatre in New York in December of 1879. The title might very well have been inspired by the many “pirated” (and therefore not profitable to G&S) productions of H.M.S. Pinafore which had preceded them across the Atlantic. Several such productions ran concurrently in New York, clearly establishing the American appreciation for this uniquely British art form. Perhaps because they were in the public domain from the outset (at least here in the States), these works have rarely been absent from the boards ever since.
The history of Pirates is notable for several other reasons as well. On the voyage across the ocean, Sullivan misplaced his musical score and had to recreate all of the music from memory. His composition for the women’s entrance eluded him, so he substituted a similar chorus from the never published score of Thespis. As a result, “Climbing Over Rocky Mountain” is the only authentic chorus in existence from that lost score. With the rousing ensemble number “When the Foeman Bares His Steel,” Sullivan perfected the double chorus technique which was to become one of his hallmarks. Two distinct choral themes are introduced separately and then overlapped for a dramatic musical climax. Gilbert also brought to the foreground for the first time his frequent lampooning of the British Aristocracy, with direct references to Queen Victoria and the Peerage. Then of course “I Am the Very Model of a Modern MajorGeneral” raised the art of the patter song to an all time high. This song has been parodied in numerous product commercials (Campbell’s Soup, Handiwipes, and The New York Times come to mind immediately), has been frequently used as an elocution exercise for speech students, and was once employed by comedian Tom Lehrer to set a list of all the elements from the periodic table!
The score for Pirates is as effervescent as its characters. Sullivan’s reference to grand opera (and Verdi in particular) is everywhere, most notably in Mabel’s aria “Poor Wand’ring One,” which is a direct parody of Violetta’s “Sempre Libera” from La Traviata - in the same key and with the identical cadenza. Yet another layer of imitation enters the picture when Sullivan’s take on the Anvil Chorus in Il Trovatore, “Come Friends Who Plough the Sea,” later becomes the tune for the popular camp song “Hail, Hail the Gang’s All Here”. These examples refer to well known moments, however, in many other Gilbert & Sullivan settings the parody remains more memorable than its original source!
Children have always been attracted to Pirates because of the child like behavior of these gentle souls and their earnest apprentice. Historically the idea of “noblemen who have gone wrong” is not only familiar child’s play but also close to the truth. Most famous “pirates” were
political or social outcasts from the upper classes. Gilbert’s satiric and deliberately silly ending actually has real historic validity! From a performing company’s perspective Pirates has many charms. First and foremost is the predominant role that the chorus plays, and the opportunity for individual characterizations within the ensembles. The interaction between the various groups of pirates, policemen, and daughters is particularly playful and always delights both the audience and the cast participants. Another colorful aspect is the wide range of the vocal parts, from the very high coloratura soprano of Mabel and the lyric tenor of Frederic, to the growly low bass of the policemen. In the first production of Pirates in which I performed back in college, I sang first tenor in the first act and second bass in the second act because I could actually hit both extremes! It is an oddity of the printed score that the Major-General is listed as singing with the basses at certain points and with the tenors at other times - certainly not a musical necessity and rarely followed in practice.
To describe Pirates as a romp is surely no exaggeration. It’s representation of naivetéé, romance, and sentiment - all mixed with wit and sophisticated verbal by play - leaves the audience and performers alike with a giddy sense of joy that is timeless. I’m sure that Pirates will remain a staple of the G&S canon for as long as these classic operettas continue to enthrall the child in all of us!
Now in its forty-ninth year of operation, New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP) is America’s preeminent professional Gilbert & Sullivan repertory ensemble. Under the dynamic leadership of 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.
Mr. Bergeret’s vision for his company’s mission is clear: to build and maintain an ensemble of professional repertory singers, actors, dancers, and musicians dedicated to bringing quality performances of the Gilbert & Sullivan masterpieces to as wide an audience as possible. To do so he has developed a unique blend of creative spontaneity and classical precision which is neither revisionist in nature nor mired in the rigidity of the more typical view of “tradition”. NYGASP’s productions are charged with contemporary energy while retaining that traditional respect for the shows themselves which is so important to Gilbert & Sullivan enthusiasts. The use of elaborate, but relevant, choreography and movement is a particularly important element. Where possible, topical references from the nineteenth century are updated when the original intent would be lost on a modern musical theatre audience, but without disturbing the shape or scope of the material as written. Gilbert’s satire of human foibles and sophisticated wit remain intact, while Sullivan’s evocative scores, which need no revision at all, are given the full range of vocal and orchestral color for which they call.
The company has in its repertory thirteen different complete G&S operettas (cast, orchestra and crew of 50-80 people), special versions of the most popular operettas designed for children’s audiences, and a variety of charming concert programs created especially for NYGASP’s sextet ensemble.
The company’s recognition and stature continue to grow. In January of 2002 the company mounted its first triumphant season at New York’s venerable City Center, playing 3 of its most popular productions to over 20,000 G&S enthusiasts in 3 weeks. NYGASP has now played a total of 9 seasons on the City Center stage.
NYGASP’s annual New York season has included performances at the Peter Norton Symphony Space on Manhattan’s Upper West Side since 1978. NYGASP’s performing home since 2015 has been the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College. Our 49th Season includes Patience, The Mikado and a double bill of The Sorcerer and Trial By Jury. For more information visit www.nygasp.org
The company’s celebrated ensemble of G&S experts, developed by introducing new singers each year from New York’s immense pool of vocal and theatrical talent, has collaborated with such guest artists as world-renowned G&S exponent the late John Reed, O.B.E. in numerous comic baritone roles, Tony winner John Rubinstein and Frank Gorshin both as King Gama in Princess Ida, John Astin as Sir Joseph in H.M.S. Pinafore, Hal Linden and Noel Harrison as the Major General in The Pirates of Penzance, Pat Carroll as Little Buttercup in H.M.S. Pinafore, and Steve Allen as The Mikado.
The company has also produced a unique cabaret act. I’ve Got a Little Twist!, created and directed by NYGASP principal David Auxier-Loyola, won a 2010 Bistro Award, is currently touring throughout the country, and appeared on Lincoln Center’s 2011 Atrium series. “Take Gilbert & Sullivan, add a TWIST of Broadway, and stir!” is Twist’s recipe. Highlighting Musical Theatre’s roots in Gilbert & Sullivan, the show is entertaining for all ages.
Touring activities continue throughout the year, frequently featuring productions from the New York season. In June 2010 NYGASP was part of the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in Gettysburg, PA. The company returned in August 2014 to the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in Harrogate, England. NYGASP’s 2023 tours bring the company to venues throughout the Midwest, South, and West.
This performance is dedicated to the loving memory of Jennifer Kalajian.
As a devoted Starlight Society member and patron, Jenny and her husband Jeff attended many MPAC performances over the years. She had a special love of Gilbert & Sullivan, which she developed from her father. Her giving spirit was evident in her longtime support of MPAC and the arts.
Elizabeth Delosreyes
Grade 8; Mount Olive Middle School; Nominated by Aimee Jimenez
Elizabeth is a highly dedicated orchestra student. Though this is only her second year, she has fully risen to the occasion and become a strong cellist with a clear understanding of rhythm, expression, and more advanced techniques. She is an active participant in class and in extracurricular music activities. Elizabeth exhibits an attention to detail that is not common among her peers. She has a bright smile and is always bringing me new music she wants the orchestra to learn. I am honored to have her in my class.
Samantha Kitsuta
Grade 7; Central Middle School; Nominated by Darby MacAdams Sam is a hardworking student that is always looking for opportunities to grow, and continues to challenge herself just for the sake of it. Sam truly enjoys music and playing the violin. I believe Sam is well-deserving of this honor.
Jeffrey Li
Grade 7; Brooklawn Middle School; Nominated by Adam Austerlitz
Jeffrey is an extraordinarily talented cellist. He is constantly trying to better himself with as many performance opportunities as possible. Jeffrey currently sits principal cello with the Brooklawn Middle School Orchestra as well as the NJYS. He was also accepted into this year’s NJMEA Intermediate Region I Orchestra as well as the NJ Intermediate All-State Orchestra. Jeffrey can be seen next performing in the pit orchestra for Brooklawn Middle School’s production of The Wizard of Oz
Johan Licona
Grade 12; Morristown High School; Nominated by Norma Davis
Johan Licona has been an exceptional violinist in the Morristown High School Orchestra for the past four years. As section leader and concertmaster, Johan collaborates beautifully with his peers with a smile that lights up the room. He cares about the success of the ensemble and enthusiastically encourages everyone to put forth their best effort in every rehearsal and performance. In addition to the MHS Orchestra, he is also a member of the select Chamber Orchestra, Camerata, and Abbey Orchestra. Johan’s passion for music runs deep; he is a hard worker, diligently practices his violin with a keen ear for nuance and expression, and is always intent on creating the most elegant and beautiful sound. He leads by example, loves learning, performs with artistry, and is one of the nicest people you could ever meet.
Sierra Neilly
Grade 8; Frelinghuysen Middle School; Nominated by Samantha Tomblin
Sierra is a violist in the 8th grade orchestra here at Frelinghuysen Middle School. She has been a dedicated member of the orchestra here, serving as section leader for her class
The 2023-2024 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.
and for the orchestra as a whole. In her three years of middle school, Sierra has not missed a single lesson or skipped a week of individual practice. Sierra is thoughtful, patient, a wonderful stand partner and cheerleader always looking to support and better those around her. She will continue with the viola and orchestra as she enters high school next year and has been very inspired by our trip to see a Broadway show, District concert, and District musicals.
Arnav Shah
Grade 7; Brooklawn Middle School; Nominated by Adam Austerlitz
Arnav is a very gifted cellist. Along with performing with the Brooklawn Middle School Orchestra he was accepted into this year’s NJMEA Intermediate Region I Orchestra as well as the NJ Intermediate All-State Orchestra. Arnav can be seen next performing in the pit orchestra for Brooklawn Middle School’s production of The Wizard of Oz
Nicholas R. Tzimoulis
Grade 7; Pequannock Valley School; Nominated by Michael Kertesz
Nicholas is an outstanding member of the Pequannock Valley School 7th Grade Band. Nicholas has consistently demonstrated exceptional musical ability and dedication to his craft. His passion for the bass is evident in everything he plays. In addition to his musical talent, Nicholas embodies the qualities of a true team player and leader. He has consistently supported his peers, both musically and personally, fostering a positive and inclusive environment within our classroom. He leads by example, inspiring others to strive for excellence and fostering a sense of camaraderie among his fellow musicians. It is an absolute joy having Nicholas in class. Furthermore, Nicholas has shown exemplary dedication to his musical education, consistently going above and beyond to improve his skills and broaden his musical horizons. Whether it’s through independent practice, participation in extracurricular music activities, or seeking out opportunities for growth, he continually seeks to enhance his musical abilities and expand his musical knowledge.
Brooks Wang
Grade 11; School District of the Chathams; Nominated by Liam Keller
Brooks is a highly organized and motivated musician, constantly striving to achieve his personal high standard for performance in everything he does. Brooks is a strong student leader and his peers and faculty respect his academic work and character. As a member of the orchestra program and New WRLD Quartet, Brooks was confident during rehearsals and consistently demonstrated excellence during many professional performances. Brooks has demonstrated leadership abilities time and time again being the Concert Master of both Concert and Chamber Orchestras and taking on extra responsibilities in order to help the ensemble thrive. Brooks has been a constant positive force of energy motivating his peers to excellence. He is always available to help students requesting assistance. Brooks is a team player and understands the process of moving from the model of good to great. Brooks is driven by a personal desire to improve his life so he can enrich the lives of others, shown in his leadership of the violin section and New WRLD Quartet. It is with great pleasure that I recommend Brooks be granted the Outstanding String Musician Award. Brooks’ record of strong intellectual and academic achievement, performance ability, integrity, character, leadership, respect for others, and his unfailing energy to use his talents to their fullest, merit this award.
Rena Zeiger
Grade 11; Randolph High School; Nominated by Aoma Caldwell
Rena Zeiger is a valued member of our Chamber Strings and Arietta orchestras, and she plays the violin expressively. Her contributions to our ensembles in Randolph are much appreciated, both musically and as a member of the community. Her musicality, reliability, and kind attitude are a positive example to younger members of our ensembles.