Thespis
Alexander Theatre, Monash University April 16, 17 & 23 at 8.00 pm April 17, 24 at 2.00 pm
Thespis was first performed in 1871 at the Gaiety Theatre, London. It is an extravaganza in which the Greek gods, grown elderly, are temporarily replaced by a troup of actors and actresses. One of these actors is the eponymous Thespis, the Greek father of drama. It is an ingenious and humorous political satire and parody of Grand Opera. It mimics Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld and La Belle Helene, which, in translation, were enormous hits on the English musical stage at the time.
Recently restored and professionally staged in London by Timothy Henty and Anthony Baker, this is the first time the opera, in any version, has been staged in Australia! With additional music by Jacques Offenbach this is a wonderful recreation of an almost "lost" opera. Cheekier and spicier than the later G&S operas this promises to be the most exciting light opera event of the Century. Designed by James Wright and Phoenix Zhou and Musical Direction by John Ferguson.
Directed and Choreographed by James Wright Music arranged and orchestrated by Timothy Henty Libretto revised by Anthony Baker
| Thespis |
Ron Pidcock |
| Nicemis |
Felicity Caterer |
| Sparkeion |
Tracey Hendy |
| Daphne |
Claire Colthup |
| Sillimon |
Kyp Iacovou |
| Pretteia |
Jessica Yeo |
| Tipseion |
Jamie Moffat |
| Timidon |
Austin Moore |
| Cymon |
Rebecca Muratore |
| Jupiter |
Lucas Richter |
| Apollo |
Andrew McGrail |
| Mars |
Edward Burger |
| Diana |
Judith O'Shea |
| Venus |
Christine Keys |
| Mercury |
Ilsa Cook |
| Chorus |
| Jenny Coll, Alicia Marcano, Susannah Middleton, Lisa Steinmetz, Zoe Taylor, Dave Gerard, Peter Hanway, Peter Hirst, Ben Klein, Jamie Tampion. |
| Director and Designer |
| James Wright |
| Musical Director |
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Supplementary Auditions for Iolanthe
Tuesday, 16 February 2010 00:00
Wednesday 17 March 2010 6.30-10:30pm.
We are looking for sopranos, mezzos, tenors and baritones keen to join the chorus of fairies and peers for what promises to be a fresh and exuberant production of one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most entrancing works. Whether you already know your tarantaras from your tollollays, or whether you’ve never ventured into G & S topsy turvy land before – we would love to see you!
For your audition, please prepare a short song (in English) that you are comfortable singing. Suggested repertoire: an English folk song; art song, any Gilbert & Sullivan song; a music theatre number (excluding belt repertoire); hymn or English oratorio. Memorisation is preferred but not essential.
Please note: Music rehearsals commence in June; production calls run from July through to the season of performances in Oct 29 - Nov 6 (4-5 performances). Rehearsals will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons (chorus will not be called for every rehearsal but should have excellent availability throughout the rehearsal period, at these times). You will need to be available for additional calls during the week of October 25 and November 1st (tech weeks).
(If you auditioned for Iolanthe in December/February, there is no requirement to re-audition)
Fill in your Iolanthe Chorus Audition Form here
Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 February 2010 13:11
Summer Series Talks 2010
A SERIES OF TALKS IN 2010 “Summer Series”
Talk 1, February 21 2010
As an initiative to provide some additional activities for members, a series of four Sunday afternoon discussions is being planned as part of our calendar of events for our 75th Anniversary season in 2010.
The first talk in the “Summer Series” pair will be by Diana Burleigh who will take participants on a fascinating journey through her extensive collection of Gilbert and Sullivan archives and memorabilia. Numbers will be limited and prospective participants will need to register for this talk. Registration is free.
One of the organisers will then contact you with further details. There will be a gold coin donation at each talk.
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