Anything Goes

ANYTHING GOES
by Cole Porter

October 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 2009
"Anything Goes" is one of the most frequently requested repeat shows from our past by members of our audiences. One of the first elements of the re-organization of our mission twenty years ago was to set out to examine the “jazz age musicals of the American Musical Theater tradition and "Anything Goes" is at the top of the list of that type of show. Its score is packed with the best of the great Cole Porter’s signature wit and tunefulness, featuring “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” “Friendship,” “It’s Delovely” and “Anything Goes.”  This show really made Ethel Merman a star and gave Victor Moore, as public enemy 13, a great personal triumph as well.  David Brannen will return to direct for us, and he has the style and the dance choreography chops to make a memorable production. Jimmy Ferraro, who wowed us with his Sancho in "Man of La Mancha" will return to play the role of Moonface, the comic character dressed as a clergyman.  Chris Thompson will join us once again in the role of conductor.  The joy of returning to the musical comedy roots of Broadway in the 1930’s is a reminder to all of us that in the great depression people could only stay “holed up” so long. The time came when a night on the town, and a witty, naughty time needed to be had by all.

Ticket prices: $32, $37, $42, $47, $52 and will not be available until July 15

Hansel and Gretel
 HANSEL AND GRETEL
by Engelbert Humperdinck

November 13, 15, 19, 21, 22, 2009
"Hansel and Gretel" is a long planned “opera in English” for our company. This year we offer it as a perfect way to kick off the holiday season and encourage whole families to attend this beloved classic from the German folk tradition, in the beautiful Wagner influenced score of Humperdink.  The children of the Lyric Academy will be featured, giving us an opportunity to share the training and the gifts they are honing in their classes, the chance to show in a classic production of this magical story.  Kelly Quo will return to the podium to lead the orchestra and Leon Natker will return to the stage in the role of The Witch. There is a long tradition of this role as a “travesty” tour de force, and many tenors in the history of opera have taken great delight in the role, with all its evil comic turns and flight. New York mezzo Hai-Ting Chinn will make her Lyric debut as Hansel, fresh from her excellent reviews in the Wooster Group’s production of "Dido and Aenea" in New York City.  San Diego’s own Kate Oberjat will be our Gretel, returning to our company from successes at Nashville Opera and New York Opera Society.  This opera is a great way to introduce families to the magic of opera as theater, and it will be sung in a new English translation that captures this story and its sweetness.  We have been wanting to present this work for many years and now we have, in the Birch North Park Theatre, an ideal setting to bring it to you with stage illusions, and an orchestra pit to present this lovely score to San Diego audiences, as it should be.

Ticket prices: $32, $37, $42, $47, $52 and will not be available until July 15

A Little Night Music

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
by Stephen Sondheim

February 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 2010
“A Little Night Music,” with a great waltz score by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler, is based on the Ingmar Bergman film “Smiles of a Summer Night,” and contains Sondheim’s best known tune, “Send In the Clowns.”  Sondheim himself has described the show as “whipped cream with knives” and we offer it in our season as a true American contender in the operetta repertoire, as well as an example of the best of Broadway.  This show is the most frequently produced American show in Europe’s opera houses, where it is known by its film title, “Smiles of a Summer Night,” and where it is considered a true modern masterwork.  The role of Desiree Armfeldt will be taken by Andrea Huber, who was so popular in our opening season production of Kalman’s “Countess Maritza,” and who has played in most of the major capitols of Austria and Germany.  Andrea is an example of the International reach of our company and we are proud to bring her home to America to share her artistry with our company.  J. Sherwood Montgomery will design and direct and Leon Natker will conduct the full orchestra in this enchanting score that is really an escape for adults.  It is a very important part of our mission as a company to show and share these American masterpieces with our San Diego audiences, and teach the next generation of performers how to make these treasures live. These performances will win new converts to Sondheim and sophisticated musical theater of the highest caliber.

Ticket prices: $32, $37, $42, $47, $52 and will not be available until July 15

Pirates of Penzance

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
by Gilbert and Sullivan

March 26, 28, April 1, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 2010
“The Pirates of Penzance” was premiered in America before it was produced in London, so we really can make a claim that this is an “all American Masterpiece” season.  With this show Gilbert and Sullivan hit their mature stride, and the topsy-turvy world got its first unqualified success, as well as an immediate slot as a certified masterwork.  The excellence of the lyrics and score are an example of the very best in the tradition of musical theater. We have a long time company commitment to the presentation of these gems of the world tradition.  This is another example of a show which is suitable for the entire family, and a show which draws grandparents, mothers, fathers, and children who can cherish it as a memory and share in it with pleasure together. We will present the company debut of Egyptian bass, Ashraf Sewailam, as the Pirate King, a role he has played widely in the United Kingdom, as well as America. This brings a new artist to our city and our company and will provide a great professional example for the members of the cast.  Leon Natker will conduct and J. Sherwood Montgomery will again portray the Major General.

Ticket prices: $32, $37, $42, $47, $52 and will not be available until OCTOBER 15. They are available immediately with the purchase of a season subscription at a reduced cost.