(WICHITA, KS – September 22, 2008) – “After the incredible success of last season’s closing production, Pirates of Penzance, it seemed fitting to open this magnificent season with another rousing comedy,” says General Director Parvan Bakardiev. “To ensure another success, we are bringing back acclaimed director, John Stephens, to capture the drama and humor everyone expects from Gilbert and Sullivan and the Wichita Grand Opera.”
H.M.S. Pinafore, Gilbert and Sullivan’s fourth collaboration, became their first true international success. The production will take the stage at Mary Jane Teall Theater for an evening performance on Saturday, November 1, and a matinee on Sunday, November 2, 2008.
The story, set in the mid 19th century, makes fun of the British social ladder. It revolves around the love between Ralph, a rank-and-file British sailor, and the Captain’s daughter, Josephine. She is secretly in love with Ralph, but the difference in their social ranks prevents her from marrying him. The First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Joseph Porter, is courting her and, though she detests his advances, she does her best to uphold her duty. H.M.S. Pinafore displays Gilbert’s lyrical wit and Sullivan’s talent for memorable melody at their finest, from beginning to surprise ending.
John Stephens will also star as Dick Deadeye, the pessimistic crewman who takes delight in reminding the lovebirds that their efforts are doomed to failure. Throughout his long and storied career, Mr. Stephens has developed an affinity for character roles, becoming a devotee of many roles penned by Gilbert and Sullivan. Mr. Stephens has directed and performed at some of the greatest opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe Opera and Washington National Opera, among others. H.M.S. Pinafore marks John Stephens’ third directorial engagement with the Wichita Grand Opera, having starred in and directed 2004’s production of The Mikado and last season’s Pirates of Penzance.
Making his Wichita Grand Opera debut is Maestro Louis Salemno, an internationally renowned conductor at some of the world’s greatest opera houses including the Teatro alla Scala, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Seattle Opera, Barcelona’s Gran Teatro del Liceo, and Houston Grand Opera.
Patrick Greene, WGO Resident Artist and audience favorite, returns to the WGO stage as Ralph Rackstraw, the most handsome and lowly sailor in the British Navy. Mr. Greene gave outstanding performances as Frederic in last season’s Pirates of Penzance. Prior to joining the WGO, he was resident tenor at Germany’s Staatstheater Braunschweig, starring in many roles such as Rodolfo in La Boheme, and Count Almaviva in The Barber of Seville. He has also appeared at Carnegie Hall in Mozart’s Requiem with John Rutter conducting.
The Right Honorable Sir Joseph Porter is a thoroughly polite Admiral who believes a British sailor is any man’s equal, except his own. He will be portrayed by Earl Levine, also a familiar face with WGO, who starred opposite John Stephens as Ko-Ko in WGO’s 2004 The Mikado and Major-General Stanley in Pirates of Penzance, and he brought life to the role of Benoit in La Boheme during the 2004-2005 season. Mr. Levine was in the Broadway revival of George M. Cohan’s Little Johnny Jones and played the Indian in the original Off-Broadway production of The Fantasticks. He has made numerous film and television appearances and recorded with the Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of the distinguished Eugene Ormandy.
After several outstanding performances last season, Resident Artist William Browning takes the role of Captain Corcoran, who is “hardly ever” sick at sea. Mr. Browning made his New York debut this season in The Tales of Hoffman with the Vertical Player Repertory. Soprano Chelsea Rose, in her second year as a WGO Young Artist, will appear as Josephine, the Captain’s dutiful daughter. Miss Rose made her debut last season in the role of Mabel, stepping into the lead role of Pirates of Penzance on short notice after the scheduled star fell ill. Chelsea won over the Wichita audience with two spectacular performances.
Also featured in this production are baritone John Tedeschi as Bill Bobstay, WGO Young Artist Karen Archbold as Little Buttercup, WGO Young Artist Christina Hager as Cousin Hebe, and WGO Resident Artist Marty Beard as Bob Beckett. The Wichita Grand Opera Chorus will be prepared by James Ellis and WGO's resident conductor Edward Lada.
Season Subscriptions for Wichita Grand Opera’s Magnificent Seventh Season are still available, as are single tickets for this hilarious tale of love vs. high society. Regular ticket prices are $85, $58, and $35, but patrons who order now will save 10% with our early bird discount. Call the Wichita Grand Opera Box Office at 316-262-8054 or log on to www.selectaseat.com to purchase your prime tickets or season subscriptions today. For more information about this production or the entire Magnificent Seventh Season, log on to www.WichitaGrandOpera.org.
This production of H.M.S. Pinafore is sponsored in part by Cargill and the Mike Steven Auto Group.
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