Vortex Theater Company
presents
H.M.S. PINAFORE
Adapted from the operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan
Sanford Meisner Theater, 164 Eleventh Ave., NYC
March 3 through 31, 2007
Director DAVE DALTON
Musical Director EDWARD BARNES
Choreographer CARRIE CIMMA
Sets and Lights MIRANDA HARDY
Costumes JESSICA WEGENER
Musicians ZACH REDLER, EDWARD BARNES
Press Representative JIM BALDASSARE
Cast
Billy Ernst – Deadeye, Sailor
Sarah Hartley – The Girl
Nich Kauffman – Captain Corcoran, Sailor
David Macaluso – Sir Joseph, Buttercup, Sailor
Max Miller – Ralph Rackstraw
Jendi Tarde – Josephine
Paul Sigrist – Boatswain
Vortex Theater’s adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. PINAFORE is a well-delivered if low budget interpretation of a classic. With a little bit of camp, some dialogue that will keep the adults laughing, and an overall production that will please the kids, Vortex opens its 24th season with a show that goes down easy.
Actually drawn from a combination of the original musical, and a story written twenty years later called The Pinafore Picture Book: The Story of H.M.S. Pinafore, this H.M.S. PINAFORE has been adapted down, if you will. The scale has been reduced to offer a more intimate theatrical experience. Appropriate for a cozy space like the Sanford Meisner, and perhaps more engaging for a young audience.
Simple sets, dolls for props, eye-catching costumes, quick changes and doubling are the hallmarks of this production of H.M.S. PINAFORE. Most notable is David Macaluso, as a sailor, Sir Joseph, and dear little Buttercup, but the entire cast present skilled performances.
Though there is no wildly innovative musical or dramatic adaptation at work here, Vortex Theater presents a commendably well-executed show. Especially recommended for those looking for a show to take the kids to!
- Kessa De Santis -