Vancouver Opera’s 2021–2022 season is coming to a close with Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore. Four performances of the wildly popular opera will take the stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Saturday April 30, Thursday May 5, and Saturday May 7 at 7:30 p.m. with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday May 8.
Gilbert and Sullivan’s 1878 comedic tale is a joyous combination of forbidden love across class divides and the shenanigans that take place along the way. Full of wacky characters, the hugely popular operetta is sure to deliver plenty of laughter along with its memorable music as it pokes fun at social class systems. Building on the witty word play and comedy of this production, writer and comedian JD Derbyshire collaborated with director Brenna Corner to adapt the libretto for a modern audience. Rosemary Thompson makes her Vancouver Opera conducting debut with an all-star cast including soprano Caitlin Wood, tenor Ernesto Ramirez, baritones Jorell Williams, Peter McGillivray and Marcus Nance along with mezzo-soprano Megan Latham.
Come aboard the HMS Pinafore where an inept Admiral who has never been upon the ocean, sets sail “over the bright blue sea”. Commanded by the beloved Captain Corcoran, the proud sailors service the ship while the handsome sailor Ralph Rackstraw dreams of love. He’s enamoured with the beautiful captain’s daughter, Josephine, who is betrothed to the hapless Admiral, but pines for the humble seaman. Hilarity ensues during this humorous tale of love, honour and duty alongside catchy tunes.
“Closing this successful season with this joyful production, after nearly two years of a dark theatre, is the perfect way to celebrate the return of live performances and to build excitement for what lies ahead,” said Tom Wright, Vancouver Opera General Director. “The enjoyable music of HMS Pinafore along with its many comedic elements is certain to lift the spirits of all who attend. Gilbert and Sullivan are the undisputed masters of comic operetta and we are thrilled to end our season on such a joyful high note.”
Director Brenna Corner returns to Vancouver Opera following her digital interpretation of Carmen: Up Close and Personal and stage direction of L’elisir d’amore and Hansel & Gretel. Rosemary Thomson, currently in her fifteenth season as Music Director of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, makes her Vancouver Opera debut with HMS Pinafore.
Vancouver Opera’s production of HMS Pinafore runs over 4 shows between April 30 to May , 2022. Find full cast bios, show details and tickets online at vancouveropera.ca.