Theatre Preview
Eleanor Pearson 26 August 2015 Pomp, and Satire Aplenty
It all begins with a case of mistaken identity, or rather, two cases of mistaken identity. Two humble gondoliers find themselves thrust into the limelight as the heirs to the throne of the fictional Barataria. Of course, only one of them can be king, but that’s not all. To further complicate the issue the rightful heir is already married to the queen, but both gondoliers recently married local girls. Into the mix, toss one pompous Duke, a mysterious nurse, and plenty of satire on class distinctions, and you have Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers.
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The Gondoliers
Season Starting: Friday, 25th of September (click on "Upcoming Events" for exact times.) Address: Smith Auditorium Lyric Theatre,Blue Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 In Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Sydney’s version of this operetta, Dean Sinclair plays the Duke of Plaza-Toro.
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He plans to make the transition to this comic role with plenty of pomp (a wig and frills) and lots of contemporary references to “surprise and delight the audience”.
“Gilbert and Sullivan is so screamingly funny if done well,” Sinclair said.
“It’s easy to overdo it, but it’s quite brilliant, and the next best thing to Shakespeare.”
“Gilbert and Sullivan is so screamingly funny if done well,” Sinclair said.
“It’s easy to overdo it, but it’s quite brilliant, and the next best thing to Shakespeare.”
“Visually and musically (this production) is a real feast.”
For Sinclair, his connection to Gilbert and Sullivan’s work has spanned many decades, and was recently cemented when he became president of Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Sydney (formerly The Savoy Arts Company) two years ago.
It’s not unusual to find Sinclair working hard behind the scenes, as well as playing comedic roles in Gilbert and Sullivan’s light operas. But for the 55-year-old musical theatre buff, things have pretty much come full circle. “In my early 20s and teens I played character roles, then romantic ones, and later comedy roles.” In this version of The Gondoliers, there is a cast of 45 performers, and a 20-piece orchestra. Sinclair said audiences could expect to hear “marvellous singing” from the large cast. |
“Many of them are young singers learning their craft, but there are also the experienced ones who enjoy Gilbert and Sullivan and love performing.”
Sinclair said a highlight would be the big production dance number in Act Two. “It’s a Spanish-flavoured dance, and very energetic.”
Sinclair said costumiere Sandi Tutt was also busy working on almost 100 costumes. “She has a team of helpers, but it’s a big project.”
Sinclair said costumiere Sandi Tutt was also busy working on almost 100 costumes. “She has a team of helpers, but it’s a big project.”
As is the tradition, the theatre company will also perform previews in Bundanoon, and at the RSL ANZAC Village, Narrabeen, with a piano accompaniment.
The Gondoliers plays from September 25-October 3, 2015
The Gondoliers plays from September 25-October 3, 2015
Performers and Crew
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