Sunday, January 29, 2012

The Gondoliers
Syracuse University Setnor School of Music
SU Opera Theater
Eric Johnson, director

Price: $10 regular, free with SU student ID
Setnor Auditorium, Crouse College
Syracuse University, Syracuse

The Gondoliers (1889) features one of Sir Arthur Sullivan's finest scores and is a perennial favorite among fans of light opera. The plot is a classic example of W.S. Gilbert's "topsy-turvy" style of social satire: two Venetian gondoliers, assumed to be brothers, have just married their sweethearts when it is revealed that one of them, though nobody is quite sure which, is actually the heir to the throne of the island kingdom of Barataria and was married in infancy to the daughter of the penniless Duke of Plaza-Toro. She is, in turn, in love with her father's servant Luiz. The brothers are whisked off to Barataria to rule jointly, and there they institute a "Monarchy based on Republican principles." Just when the plot has become impossibly complicated, the king's surprise identity is revealed, to general rejoicing.

The student cast, featuring senior voice performance major Rachel Boucher as Gianetta, will be joined by music education alumna Shannon Garvey as the Duchess of Plaza-Toro and faculty member Carolyn Weber in the crucial cameo role of Inez. Costumes are by Dorita Reyen and Kerstin Johnson.

The full, all-student orchestra will be conducted by James O. Welsch.

Free parking is available in the Irving Garage; patrons should mention that they are attending the event.