Blast off? Yes, blast off! That’s precisely what’s happening in this production of HMS Pinafore by the Jacksonville Opera Theatre, directed by Nathan Wight. Instead of the deck of Her Majesty’s ship, which sets sail from Portsmouth, England, the opening scene on Stone Center’s stage is transformed into a launching pad for a spacecraft headed for the heavens. The mates’ (or astronauts’) destination? Well, it’s anyone’s guess.
And, according to Jan Rhodes, JSU Drama Secretary, where will this take us? Come and find out.
You won’t see anything like this in our area because it is the launching of a different idea, according to Kaylon Gilley, a cast member.
Without changing the plot of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, which opened in London on May 25, 1878, JOT’s students will portray children who represent the adult officers in “a pretend” setting on the spaceship, carrying forth the original story of romance and conflict. This opening anniversary for the comic opera should be noted: after 132 years on May 25 – and it was a hit from the start – ‘Pinafore’ is still popular. In its time it was presented wherever there were theaters, everywhere, and its songs were in the air-everywhere, too, according to Internet sources. JOT will present it May 21 through 29.
This is a setting that’s creative and different for this composition. Unheard of? Yes, but in a good way, because it’s a brand new experience and interesting to all ages.
“People should come to see it because it’s so much fun,” said Kaylon Gilley, a cast member from Piedmont who plays “Bill Bobstay,” a boatswain, the man who is in charge of the deck’s crew. “We have a good-sized cast, it’s something worthwhile to see, we are taking on a new twist, and it should definitely be added to your entertainment list for May,” the tenor said.
Here’s the plot: Ralph Rackstraw, an able seaman, is in love with the Captain Corcoran’s daughter, Josephine. Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty – who is coming to inspect the ship – is also courting Josephine and the captain heartily approves of his marrying the girl. But the captain finds out about the hidden love between Rackstraw and Josephine and tries to foil their plans. In the end, there’s a twist that changes all. The operetta is defined as one with gentle satire, infectious tunes, and well-constructed libretto. It is about love between members of a different social class that always thickens the plot.
Gilley, a JSU junior who is a student Teresa Stricklin at JSU, is majoring in music education with a concentration in vocal performance. This is his second opera role at JSU and he’s loving the art.
“Kaylon brings new energy and enthusiasm to ‘Pinafore,’” Striklin comments. “He is a great addition to the cast. Actually, we have always had seasoned singers and actors within our opera department. Again, they are rising to the occasion.”
The Olympics of singing
Voice students at JSU have called opera “the Olympics of singing.”
“This is most assuredly so,” Stricklin agrees. “The vocal range required is astounding, from high to low, operatic singers must develop great strength and flexibility, and the power to sustain high notes. It is a challenging discipline.” But, to their credit, the students have been trained and are delivering the art.
Operettas differ from operas in that operettas have spoken dialogue. Gilbert and Sullivan operettas were written to make people forget their troubles and be happy. There is always a mish-mash of confusion in the conflict but as the plot winds down, something unexpected happens and the knot untangles, Striklin said, and things work out in the end.
Wight adds special touches to his operettas that are relevant today. And he will play a role this time as Bob Beckett, a carpenter, which adds to the production’s unique quality.
A special event is offered May 22 before the performance at Classic on Noble with a dinner and lecture, and premiere seating for the show.
Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. May 21 and 22, and Thursday and Friday May 27 and 28. Matinees will begin at 2:3- p.m. on Sunday May 23 and Saturday May 29. For ticket information, call Dr. Wight at 256-782-5876 or visit www.jacksonvilleopera.org
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