WHITE ROCK — "HMS Pinafore," one of the best known and loved of all the Gilbert & Sullivan operettas (or comic light opera, if you prefer), is coming to White Rock's Coast Capital Playhouse. Produced by the Fraser Valley Gilbert & Sullivan Society, this wonderfully witty musical runs from April 30 to May 10 – Wednesdays through Saturdays, with a Sunday matinee on May 4. Tickets are $24 to $27. Call the box office at 604-536-7535 or buy tickets online at www.whiterockplayers.ca.
According to director Jacqollyn Keath, this production may be a bit different than what local audiences are accustomed to seeing on stage from this society. "When I was asked to direct Pinafore," Keath explained, "I decided on a very traditional version,
befitting perhaps the vision Gilbert had in mind when he wrote this music in 1878. As such, I also chose to restore the original dialogue that had been lost and is rarely performed. FVGSS's version, then, is a true rendition of 'HMS Pinafore.' Musical director Kerry O'Donovan and myself cast voices that suit this genre and went for a smaller than traditionally seen cast."
The cast features Dodi Barillec as Josephine, Mike Friesen as Ralph, Paul Beckett as the Captain, Breanna Branson as Buttercup, Kevin F. Hrankowski as Boatswain, Clive Ramroop as Dick Dead Eye and Elaine Francis as Hebe. The show also features Denise Brookson, Chantelle Anderson, Rebecca Burgart, Brad Dewar, Ryan "Tiny" Elliott, Judy McLellan, Miriah Reitmeier, Timothy Tucker and Dann Wilhelm.
It's all about the people.
Live theatre is peopledriven. While some sound and lighting do contribute to the performances, live theatre simply relies on real, live people. FVGSS resident choreographer Carol Seitz declares delight in working with Keath as director, and Keath returns the compliment by calling Seitz's choreography "magical."
The set was constructed by Tim Tucker, who brings the director's vision to life. Tucker has been often found as musical director for the FVGSS pantos. I like it that Tim the tune man is discovering firsthand how difficult it can be to sing and dance (or just move) at the same time - and breathe. I've worked with Tucker a few times, and look forward to working with him again after his experience with Pinafore. Build the set, go to rehearsals. Sing. Dance. Bring a character to life.
Ryan "Tiny" Elliott is well known to White Rock audiences as a member of White Rock Players' Club. This is his first outing with FVGSS, and how nice to be on his home stage with a new group. Elliott is also quite active behind the scenes for both White Rock
Players and the Vancouver Zone of Theatre BC. Every community theatre group needs people like Tiny (I think he is about 6'4" - or at least he seems that tall). So here's a tip of the hat to people like Tim and "Tiny" that do more than just appear on the stage.
This should be an excellent production. Book tickets now, because it is a short run and I have a feeling that this show will be a sell-out. Look at the people involved. It's a winner.
While community theatre needs good people in place to be successful, the same is true of the professional theatre arena. After 14 years at Arts Club Theatre Company, executive director Howard R. Jang will step down from his position effective June 30. Together with managing artistic director Bill Millerd, Jang is responsible for the Arts Club's position as one of the most active and vibrant theatre companies in Canada. Jang led the company through four highly successful strategic plans that allowed the company to achieve the largest subscription base of any professional theatre in the country. The Arts Club no longer has a mortgage on the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage and has formed its own foundation.
Of course, Jang is not the only person involved with this success story; I just thought you'd like to know what difference one person can make to the life of a theatre company. There are more stories to tell, more people making a contribution whether in community or professional theatre. Well done. And thank you all.
melminty@telus.net