An Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan
Sophie Thompson, Soprano
Angela Christine Smith, Contralto
Daniel Greenwood, Tenor
James Mills, Comic Baritone
Matthew Wages, Bass-Baritone
David Wannen, Bass-Baritone
Piano Accompanist – Elizabeth Rodgers
The ensemble will present a variety of selections from the Gilbert & Sullivan repertory – including time for requests from the audience.
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 2,000 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 “Wand’ring Minstrels” 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 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.
