New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players
H.M.S. Pinafore
Press release
Ride a wave of music and laughter as romantic sailors, sisters, cousins, and aunts sing and dance their way across the deck of the fanciful British naval vessel with the improbable name. The very proper Captain Corcoran and ridiculously pompous Sir Joseph Porter preside, the villainous Dick Deadeye speaks the ugly truth, and Little Buttercup reveals the outrageous mistake that allows true love to overcome the problems of class distinction. Memorable signature tunes abound on board ship and the riotous “Bell Trio” sparks a celebration in Act Two.
H.M.S. Pinafore, or The Lass That Loved A Sailor was first performed at the Opera Comique, London, on May 25, 1878, and has remained popular on both sides of the Atlantic ever since. The show’s satirical jabs at the vaunted British Navy and at rigid Victorian class distinctions remain as readily understand- able in the new millennium as they were over 100 years ago. Since the specific satire was meant to amuse and not provoke, the universal nature of human foibles shines through to any audience.
Author Gilbert’s characters are sharply drawn, from the romantic hero Ralph Rackstraw and the pompous Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B., to the villainous Dick Deadeye. Composer Sullivan provides indelible musical introductions: “I’m called Little Buttercup”, “I am the Captain of the Pinafore”, “I am the Monarch of the Sea” — songs which are among the most famous in the English language. The choruses also have their share of unforgettable numbers including the sailors' "We Sail the Ocean Blue", the ladies' "And We Are His Sisters, and His Cousins, and His Aunts” and the rousing full ensemble anthem “For He Is an Englishman”.
The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players’ production of H.M.S. Pinafore features an elaborate setting of a ship’s deck, based on drawings by Gilbert himself, and beautiful Belle Epoch costumes. Besides the lush sounds of legitimate voices and a full orchestra, this production offers energetic action, lively choreography and broad comedy.
QUOTES ABOUT NYGASP’S H.M.S. Pinafore
“...New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players has set a winner to sail... unusually able singers and nimble comic actors…a sunny graceful wit that captures the show’s delicate balance of comedy and sentimentality.”— THE NEW YORK TIMES
“…Super is a small word for this production. It is energized, it moves and the tempo of performance keeps the viewer happy throughout…The depth of talent in this company is quite amazing...boy, do they dance, often in surprising moments and always to the delight of the audience - and seemingly themselves...a brilliantly workable set.”— NY DAILY NEWS
“Pinafore will sweep you away...Don't be surprised to find your feet tapping to the joyous melodies, merry choruses and patter songs... enjoy the wit and satire, share the wonderful music and spoof.. the cast threads and dances its way across the decks with agility and kaleidoscopic motion.” — NEW YORK POST
“ a first-rate singing ensemble... imaginative staging... funny and endearing." — RICHMOND, VA NEWS LEADER
“ musical satire at its best...the cast was splendid.”— STAMFORD, CT THE ADVOCATE
“ a completely satisfying performance.”— RICHMOND, VA TIMES-DISPATCH
Story of H.M.S. Pinafore
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.