{"id":1007,"date":"2019-07-17T18:19:08","date_gmt":"2019-07-17T18:19:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wcsu.wpengine.com\/news-archives\/wcsu-opera-ensemble-to-present-the-gondoliers\/"},"modified":"2019-07-17T18:19:08","modified_gmt":"2019-07-17T18:19:08","slug":"wcsu-opera-ensemble-to-present-the-gondoliers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/news-archives\/wcsu-opera-ensemble-to-present-the-gondoliers\/","title":{"rendered":"WCSU 2017 – WCSU Opera to present The Gondoliers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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DANBURY, CONN. <\/strong>\u2014 The Western Connecticut State University<\/a> Opera Ensemble will present Gilbert and Sullivan\u2019s comic opera \u201cThe Gondoliers\u201d<\/a> in four performances on March 24 through 26 at the WCSU Visual and Performing Arts Center.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Evening performances will be at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 24,<\/strong> and Saturday, March 25, 2017, <\/strong>with matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 25,<\/strong> and Sunday, March 26, 2017.<\/strong> All performances will be in the MainStage Theatre at the VPAC on the university\u2019s Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury. General admission will be $25, with a ticket price of $15 for seniors and students with valid ID. Reservations may be made online at www.eventbrite.com\/e\/wcsu-opera-presents-the-gondoliers-tickets-30528545702<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n

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Professor of Music Dr. Margaret Astrup,<\/a> director of the WCSU production, observed that \u201cThe Gondoliers,\u201d also known as \u201cThe King of Barataria,\u201d has enjoyed international popularity and theatrical success since its 1889 premiere for a 554-performance run at the Savoy Theatre in London. Composed by Arthur Sullivan<\/a> with libretto by W.S. Gilbert<\/a>, \u201c\u2018The Gondoliers\u2019 is Gilbert and Sullivan\u2019s last great work and one of their most beloved,\u201d Astrup said. \u201cWCSU Opera is thrilled to present this wonderful comic operetta filled with great tunes reminiscent of the classic Italian operas.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe Gondoliers\u201d recounts the story of the succession to the throne of the fictional kingdom of Barataria, which unfolds in Gilbert\u2019s libretto with the hilarious farce of mistaken identities, confusion of class distinctions, tangled webs of amorous conflict and ultimately rewarded quests for true love. Astrup said the opera\u2019s riotous satire of social and political mores in 19th century Europe still holds relevance for contemporary America.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIn these times, we can all use this funny and light-hearted operetta with glorious tunes to lift our moods and bring us together,\u201d Astrup said. \u201cIn keeping with Gilbert and Sullivan tradition, we have taken the liberty of poking fun at some of our own social and political institutions today where we can take advantage of the opportunities to improvise in the score. In this way, each production becomes personal and unique. We hope the audience will pick up on some of the fun, although it is surprising how much of the original libretto would still apply to our circumstances today.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The roles of the future royal couple of Barataria will be performed by Matthew Johnson, of Trumbull, as Luiz; and by Arianna Carlo, of Brookfield, and Olivia Conforti, of Naugatuck, as Casilda. The gondoliers whose improbable ascendancy to the throne descends into farce will be played by Sergio Mandujano, of Trumbull, as Marco; and Matthew Feinberg, of Cheshire, as Giuseppe. The gondoliers\u2019 new brides will be performed by Nicole Salamon, of Greenwich, and Amy Cerbie, of Meriden, as Tessa; and Katherine Marsh, of Clinton, and Taylor Doyle, of Southbury, as Gianetta.<\/p>\n

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The role of Grand Inquisitor Don Alhambra will be performed by Dan Satter, of Trumbull. Edwin Rodriguez, of New Haven, will bring hilarity to his role as the Duke of Plaza-Toro; his wife, the Duchess of Plaza-Toro, will be performed by Kaitlyn Carruthers, of Fairfield, and Leanna O\u2019Brien, of Barkhamsted.<\/p>\n

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Associate Professor of Music Dr. Fernando Jimenez<\/a> will be the orchestra conductor for the WCSU production. <\/p>\n

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The WCSU Office of Alumni Relations will host \u201cA Night at the Opera\u201d featuring a cocktails-and-opera package for the March 24 evening performance of \u201cThe Gondoliers.\u201d For a ticket price of $25 per person, guests will enjoy a cocktail reception beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Room 241 of the VPAC on the university\u2019s Westside campus, followed by admission to the 8 p.m. performance. Reservations may be made by calling the Office of Alumni Relations at (203) 837-8298 or ordering tickets online at https:\/\/alumni.wcsu.edu\/events<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England\u2019s best small private universities.<\/em><\/p>\n

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