The Houston Critic

The Gilbert and Sullivan Society

By MG
The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston present “The Sorcerer”
Performance in Cullen Theater, Wortham Center Downtown Houston
Friday/Saturday, July 25-26, 8 pm; Sunday July 27 2:30 pm
Tickets available online https://secure.gilbertandsullivan.net/cgi/ticketing.cgi or 281-724-8363

Who are Gilbert & Sullivan? A productive partnership for over 25 years, developing amazing operas successful with the everyday people! Can you think of musical partnerships: i.e. Rodgers and Hammerstein, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards or Sonny & Cher?

What does the Houston Society do? This non-profit, all-volunteer company has, since 1952, dedicated themselves to preserving and sharing the delightful legacy of Gilbert and Sullivan’s wonderful operas. As an internationally award-winning member of the arts community, they showcase young talent for Houston audiences, as well as having awarded 100+ scholarships to vocal performance and theatre tech students.

Why purchase a ticket?

• Comedy
• Drama
• Romance
• Incredible singing
• Creative choreography
• True G&S acting
• Set transports you to a 19th century village
• Superb costumes
• Brilliant orchestra

Why haven’t we seen this opera recently? During WWII, the Blitz destroyed the sets. 35 years later brought the means and talent to replicate them – lost to an entire generation! The Houston Chapter’s performances are a special gift to the city and “The Sorcerer” may not return for 10-12 years.

Who attends? They can include music lovers, interested people, and most importantly, young people. G&S Society ensures the youth of tomorrow are introduced to these unique fine arts. Groups included Boys and girls country, The Briarwood School, DePelchin Children’s Center and covenant Houston Texas.

Alistair Donkin arrived in Houston from England in 1982 and has returned every summer since to bring his knowledge, skill and talent to the company. Mr. Donkin, a former solicitor, was a chorister and principal with the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company. His brand is overtly tradition with modern allusions to allow the current century of audience enjoyment and fun. http://www.doylycarte.org.uk/about

Dr. Brian Runnels, musical director/conductor, was blessed with incredible talent in the leads and the chorus, keeping the high standard of incredible musical performance of the company intact.

Arrive early for Ira J Black’s preview lecture. Check web site for details – we missed the session as we didn’t know the time. The orchestra is truly top notch, with incredible balance with the singers 98% of the time. Visit the gift shop to check out the Society’s creative marketing, specially blended tea JUST for the show, men’s ties for each G&S play and more. However, please leave younger people at home, as their attention may not stay on it, taking away from the performance for others.; the program is a wealth of great information, though the President’s Message seemed a bit lacking in info and thanks.

What a preview of this amazing company? Download shows form iTunes Music Store to view their engaging performance, hear beautiful music (search on Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston).

Summary of The Sorcerer: www.gilbertandsullivan.org/index.cfm?load=news&newsarticle=7
2014 Preview: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MixqcDogwEs&feature=youtu.be
Two Minute Gilbert and Sullivan – The Sorcerer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGX2ZEgVhAo
How To Properly Use Your Maypole: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV-k_8wI35I&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1
Why Don’t I Know “The Sorcerer”? www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqQ0dcJHIDE&feature=youtu.be
WWI, The Sorcerer, and The Decay of The English Estate System www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVSAD927JMw&feature=youtu.be7
Is That A Country Accent? hwww.youtube.com/watch?v=QWYgwCaVNfM&feature=youtu.be
When you play with fire: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHGd32DmMhY&feature=youtu.be

Contact: P.O. Box 741267 Houston, TX 77274-1267; 281-724-8363 or info@gilbertandsullivan.org

Group Sales: 10 or more receive $5 off per ticket. Contact group@hgns.org. (not combined with other discounts.)
Student Rush Sales: Students with a valid college ID may receive $10 off per ticket. These tickets are available in person at the Box Office starting one hour before show time. (Same day use only; not combined with other discounts.)
Double Discount: Friday, July 25th show, group and student discounts doubled! Groups receive $10 off per ticket and students receive $20 off per ticket, subject to the same restrictions above.

This community minded fiscal organization would like the use of 5000 sq. ft of climate controlled space,
min. height 25 ft with loading dock access to stretch the funds even further for the art.