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School of MusicDePauw University
mail P.O. Box 37
Greencastle, IN
46135-0037
Work(800) 447-2495(765) 658-4380
FAX:fax (765) 658-4042
School of Music
DEPAUW OPERA
H. M. S. Pinafore - 2001
by Gilbert and Sullivan
by Gilbert and Sullivan
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William Schwenck Gilbert (1836-1911) was in many ways a typical Victorian gentleman, and yet his often unconservative behavior made his friends uneasy. In 1861, Gilbert began contributing dramatic criticism and humorous verse (unsigned) to the popular British magazine FUN. Some of his work was accompanied by cartoons and sketches which were signed "Bab." (Many characters in the G & S operas were modelled after some of his "Bab" characters.)
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900), rose from a working-class background. His father was a bandmaster at the Royal Military College. Before age ten, Sullivan had mastered all of the wind instruments in his father's band. He sustained his interest in all things musical and advanced to become the foremost British composer of the day and the darling of high society. His hymn, "Onward, Christian Soldiers" is still with us, though most of his other music has not found a place.
Act I - In H. M. S. Pinafore or The Lass That Loved a Sailor, W.S. Gilbert builds a story satirizing the snobbery and hypocrisy of the English social system. He tells of a lowly, able seaman named Ralph Rackstraw who has fallen in love with Josephine, his Captain's daughter. Josephine, however, has been pledged by her father to Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty. Sir Joseph, for his part, professes to be a man of new ideals, informing the Captain that "a British sailor is any man's equal, excepting mine." He further requires the Captain to soften his commands to the crew by adding such civilities as "if you please."
Act II - Captain Corcoran sings of the confusion brought on by Sir Joseph's new attitude and Buttercup, a local bumboat (see glossary) woman, consoles the Captain. Later we hear Josephine's soliloquy citing her love for Ralph but understanding the necessity to remain true to her breeding and marry the man her father has chosen. But which sentiment will her heart obey? Sir Joseph sings of "love leveling all ranks" which helps Josephine in her decision. But when Buttercup lets slip that all is not what it seems, Sir Joseph's liberal notions are put to the test.
Click here for a full cast list.
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900), rose from a working-class background. His father was a bandmaster at the Royal Military College. Before age ten, Sullivan had mastered all of the wind instruments in his father's band. He sustained his interest in all things musical and advanced to become the foremost British composer of the day and the darling of high society. His hymn, "Onward, Christian Soldiers" is still with us, though most of his other music has not found a place.
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Act II - Captain Corcoran sings of the confusion brought on by Sir Joseph's new attitude and Buttercup, a local bumboat (see glossary) woman, consoles the Captain. Later we hear Josephine's soliloquy citing her love for Ralph but understanding the necessity to remain true to her breeding and marry the man her father has chosen. But which sentiment will her heart obey? Sir Joseph sings of "love leveling all ranks" which helps Josephine in her decision. But when Buttercup lets slip that all is not what it seems, Sir Joseph's liberal notions are put to the test.
Click here for a full cast list.
