Lamplighters Music Theatre is a San Francisco based non-profit theatre company founded in 1952. Our mission is to be the premier producer of the works of Gilbert & Sullivan and other works of comparable wit, literacy, and musical merit. We seek to present relevant and culturally diverse productions that delight and enrich audiences, performers, and community members.
Just been to the 30th Annual Gilbert & Sullivan festival in Buxton, Derbyshire, UK. It’s a 2 week delight. Go if you can but avoid staying at the Palace hotel! Great performances fantastic surroundings at the Victorian Opera house and quirky beautiful town full of lovely shops and bistros. A must for G&S fans xxxx
I remember this production vividly. To this day, when I think of Princess Ida, this is what I picture. I've seen all the G&S operettas performed many times, but almost never so well as this.
When you say at 14:31 “... they definitely weren’t the music hall,” you make it quite clear that Sullivan was keenly aware of that distinction. However, don’t overlook Gilbert’s very un-subtle dig in Utopia, Limited. KING: We take your word for it that this is all right. You are not making fun of us? This is in accordance with the practice at the Court of St. James's? SIR BAILEY: Well, it is in accordance with the practice at the Court of St. James's Hall.” Which is the cue for the minstrel song parody “Society has quite forsaken all her wicked courses,” often mimed with silly gestures and tambourines reminiscent of the Christy Minstrels who performed there for years.
Unfortunately a bit far from the UK! Will it be filmed at all? I'd absolutely support the cause to watch a live stream, especially as our local production just finished it's run, and you can never have enough (Gilbert and) Sullivan!
In addition, D’Oyly Carte had built the perfect theater to showcase their productions. Victorian theaters didn’t have the best reputation. Aside from the usual complaints about the moral character of actresses and the theatrical reliance on the sensational and crude, they could be genuinely unpleasant experiences- hot and crowded and dingy. Richard D’Oyly Carte set out to build a theater people could bring their grandmothers to. Seats were spacious and patrons were expected to queue for tickets and sit in assigned seats. The theater was the first public building to be lit entirely by electricity. Program booklets were free and high quality and there was no need to tip the staff. The Savoy theater helped set a standard and introduced many ideas we take for granted today.
When the audience starts clapping before the end of the orchestral playout, you know you've scored a hit. Here the well-deserved applause started as soon as the singers finished, and was strong through the playout and for some time afterward.
Of course this brings us to the 3 productions for Austrailian/New Zealand audiences were brilliant especially the way the late John English played the 3 parts in those operettas
Sullivan's music was always the highlight of a G&S operetta, and his peers often lamented that Sullivan wasted his energies on comedies instead of something more serious (which is why it is ironically fitting that his comedies are the best known; where is Wagner or Offenbach now?) Gilbert and Sullivan often had disagreements, not only about the plot, but also the tone of certain songs. For example, <<<_HMS Pinafore's_>>> _He is an Englishman_ was supposed to be a biting satire of over-the-top jingoistic nationalism. Thirty years later, it was sung at Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Part of the reason is because Sullivan was far more patriotic than Gilbert. The acid satire of Gilbert often seems to be couched in the words of his characters, probably to evade the Chancellor of the Exchequer's censorship. In <<<_The Pirates of Penzance_>>>, for example, the pirate king takes a swing at respectability politics. The Mikado was set in a fantasy version of Japan for the same effect, in order to more safely criticize British institutions. Regrettably, Gilbert's libretto always seems to be the weakest part of their collaboration. HMS Pinafore had a strange satire where the ages of Ralph and the Captain were intentionally mismatched in order to satirize a similar plot hole in <<<_Carmen_>>> (yeah, not exactly the best satire here). Many operas started out strong, but were finished without resolving all of their plotholes. His character development, especially compared to Shakespeare, doesn't really measure up; Dick Deadeye is no Iago, and much like him, a great many characters feel unfinished, a great first sketch but not much more. But overall, you could do much worse than G&S. It's fun, family-friendly, and doesn't really require a lot of deep thinking, which is perfect for a light opera.
I would argue that Gilbert’s brilliance was in having his ridiculous characters played with a straight face. He and Sullivan were both very consistent in ensuring that the performers didn’t ham up their parts but played them as they were written and as if everything they said (or sang) made sense even if it didn’t. The goal isn’t pathos, it’s comedy.
I discovered your channel about a week ago, and have been looking forward to seeing this show. So here I am, tuned in and waiting. And nothing is happening. I happen to live in Japan-is that why? Right now it is 8:25 a.m. on Monday April 17, 2023, which is 4:25 p.m. on April 16 where you are. Oh, well.😢
This was perhaps the high point of my favorite production of Princess Ida. I loved the energy of the entire cast and Barbara Heroux's sensitive direction. I bought the VHS when it was first made available. Thanks for sharing this to a wider audience!
Is there any way to watch these nowadays. From this clip it looks like one of the better performances out there, I'd hate to think that it's disappeared forever, and would happily make a donation to be able to download this show and several others.
Ann was an amazing woman and her legacy will continue to bring joy to future generations through the Lamplighters. I was her Caregiver for six years. She truely was an amazing woman. I miss her so much. She was my Queen. We used to sing every night before she went to bed. Right before she passed, she got the biggest smile on her face, then she was gone. My Queen was happy when she left this world. ... I am a witness to that... I hope to someday go see the Lamplighters perform. Karen
I am french and I love Gilbert & Sullivan especially when it is sung by the great John Reed. I am currently training to be an Opera singer and Alongside other Opera arias I also got my teacher to make me learn G&S arias such as Tit Willow (my favourite), When I was a lad, I have a song to sing O! and more. It's really a shame that Gilbert & Sullivan is not that much known in France. I asked a lot of music teacher and only one knew (because he played in an orchestra in UK). For myself, I discovered it via the Simpsons's parody ( 1:08 ) But I enjoy spreading G&S works (and also Other works by Sullivan only) to everyone I know in France. (sorry for my bad english)
John Reed is amazing! I wish someone would make a documentary about him. I know he was a gay and I'd love to know more about his life. There is a biography called, "Nothing Whatever to Grumble At" that I just ordered.
Thanks to all on your heartfelt comments, as well as your own incredible care, concern and commitment (and contribution) to the Lamplighters. Starting with Orva and Ann- it has always been about incredibly-talented and cleverly-creative people, challenging themselves and working together to produce and promote the very best in G&S (and so much more!) for generations of appreciative audiences. Lamplighters, both individually and collectively, have always put great Heart in their Art, inspiring and entertaining so many along the way. I can truly see that the LL heart continues to beat strong and I have no doubt we (all) shall prevail over these tough times with the talent and tenacity characteristic of this extraordinary Company. I am looking forward to it!
So many memorable years, so much incredible talent and such continuing commitment to Excellence in The Arts - Traditions that carry-on to this day, which make The Lamplighters so wonderfully special and their every production a timeless treasure. Thanks to all Lamplighters, past, present (and future!) whose time, toil tears and treasure have made such so!
