Gilbert and Sullivan

Cast members

"HMS Pinafore"

The Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan Society stages a production every summer, and we've only missed a few since the 1990's.  We've seen the more popular ones like "Pinafore" and "Pirates of Penzence" multiple times, but they've all blended together in my mind into one giant, nutty production.

Some music (like Mahler) has grown on me over time. That seems to be happening with Gilbert and Sullivan. Maybe I'm finally becoming a more patient person? The ridiculous plots, silly stereotypes and redundant tunes once drove me nuts-- well, you can say the same thing about Italian opera. You just have to let it go, and on Saturday I was laughing and clapping along with all the senior citizens in the audience.

Speaking of senior citizens.  Who will attend Gilbert and Sullivan when those assisted living vans stop pulling up?  For the first time, the production was held at the smaller Intiman Theater instead of The Rep, and there were still many empty seats.  What a shame.  The audience surrounds the stage at The Intiman, making you feel like you're part of the fun, instead of just watching it. 

The young cast was great.  We have incredible artistic talent in Seattle.  However, pity the poor actors, because "Bianca" the miniature poodle stole every scene she was in. We adore our doggies in Seattle.  Click here to read her story in the Seattle Times.

OK.  Enough of that.  Let's have some real fun with Gilbert and Sullivan: