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The Gondoliers – by Gilbert &
Sullivan
(Sydney Opera House) -
Directed by Stuart Maunder
A cast of
singing-dancing performers; starring Reg Livermore,
Judi Connelli and John Bolton Wood.
Stephen Mould and Brian Castles-Onion share the
conducting of this Opera Australia favourite.
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A sparkling, melodic, romantic and entertaining
story with twists and turns that keeps you in
suspense of what the end will bring… -
AusNotebook Music & Creative |
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The Gondoliers,
(also known as The King of Barataria) is the
twelfth Opera by Gilbert and Sullivan. Following its
debut on 7th December, 1889 at the Savoy Theatre,
London, The Gondoliers played for 554
performances. Nearly a century later, on
February 6, 1989 The Gondoliers was performed at the
Sydney Opera House.
The Gondoliers
recently returned to the Opera House and played a
entertaining season from
18th September, 2007 till closing curtains on
the 3rd November, 2007.
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The Gondoliers
satirises snobbery and class distinctions.
Regardless of it’s age and historical style opera,
the play brings elements of the more recent day
themes by cleverly parallelling the ‘wall flowers’
status by presenting fair maidens pining for a
husband. It also highlights the bickering and wise
cracks between a long time married couple and
includes current issues, such as “horse flu” which
is cleverly referenced into the play.
The Australian version displays scenes of brilliant dancing, especially
at the Ball, where dancers skilfully partner large
rag dolls puppets. The set is beautifully designed
and the costumes are amazing, wonderful and bright
displaying reference to the era. The play has
light-hearted and entertaining music with memorable
melodies, which are sometimes humorous and other
times sad. |
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%20&%20RegLivermore%20(The%20Duke%20of%20Plaza-Toro).jpg) |
Judi Connelli (The
Duchess of Plaza-Toro) & Reg Livermore (The Duke of
Plaza-Toro) - The amusing bickering between
the two gave the audience much laughter
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The opening scene begins with love struck young
maidens waiting for the two gondoliers, brothers
Marco and Giuseppe Palmieri. Two of the lucky
maidens are chosen by the two gondoliers who are
blind folded in a game of blind man’s buff. Soon
the Venetian gondoliers are married. |
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Not long after, the pompous Grand Inquisitor informs
the recent wedded men that one of them has become
the “King of Barataria”. But which one of
them? Only the nurse entrusted with the young
Prince’s care, at the time of the abduction, will be
able to identify the new King.
In the final act, the two Venetian wives each
challenge for the role of Queen. Both are unaware of
Casilda’s existence. The identity of the King is
revealed, followed by a comedy of unravelling truths
for our two gondoliers, their wives, and royal
family. Barataria’s problems are solved and
celebrations begin for our happy ever-after ending.
Article written
by Chrissy Layton
- AusNotebook Music & Creative
Photos courtesy of Opera Australia |
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%20&%20Kanen%20Breen%20(Marco%20Palmieri).jpg) |
Robert Bertram
(Giuseppe Palmieri) & Kanen Breen (Marco Palmieri)
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THE PRODUCTION TEAM |
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THE CAST |
Conductor – Stephen Mould (to 17 Oct)
– Brian Castles-Onion (from 18 Oct)
Director – Stuart Maunder (Based on
the original production by Brian MacDonald)
Set & Costumes – Susan Benson
Lighting Designer – Jonathan Perry
Choreographer – Elizabeth Hill
(Based on the original choreography by
Brian MacDonald)
Assistant Director – Elizabeth Hill
Sound Designer – John O’Donnell
Opera Australia Chorus
Chorus Master – Michael Black
Assistant Chorus Master – Kate Golla
Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra
Principal 1st Violin – Adrian Keating &
Tony Gault
Music Staff – Phoebe Briggs & Kate
Johnston |
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Duke of Plaza-Toro – Reg Livermore
Duchess of Plaza-Toro – Judi Connelli
Don Alhambra – John Bolton Wood
Casilda – Natalie Jones
LuLuiz – Andrew Brunsdon (to 19 Oct)
– Laurence
Meikle (from 24 Oct)
Gianetta – Taryn Fiebig
Tessa – Dominica Matthews
Marco Palmieri – Kanen Breen
Giuseppe – Robert Bertram
Fiametta – Annabelle Chaffey
Inez – Adele Johnston
Giulia – Vanessa Lewis
Francesco – David Lewis
Antonio – Charlie Kedmenec
Giorgio – Andrew Moran
Vittoria – Margaret Plummer
Annibale – Robert Mitchell
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