Savoy Society presents Gilbert and Sullivan's The Sorcerer
This spring's presentation by the Savoy Society of Ottawa is "The Sorcerer". This is the first full-length comic operetta created by the Victorian era partnership of Arthur Sullivan (music) and William Gilbert (libretto).
"The Sorcerer" relates the story of a love potion obtained from a firm of magicians by a young officer of the Grenadier Guards who wishes the entire village to share the feelings of love that he and his betrothed have for each other. Needless to say, since this is Gilbert & Sullivan, unlikely couples fall in love and the results of these unsuitable attachments must be corrected before the final curtain.
Musically, "The Sorcerer" has a delightful freshness and easy flow. There is an abundance of fun and some delightful music. The sorcerer, John Wellington Wells, introduces himself by way of a patter song that was to become a trademark of later G&S productions.
The Savoy Society's production of "The Sorcerer is sure to put a little magic into a long cold winter. This year's presenttion promises a glimpse of musical theatre not seen in Ottawa since January 1948, when it was performed by the RA Centre Theatrical Society. This lively and entertaining production has a cast of 38 supported by an orchestra of 17. In addition, more than 150 volunteers behind the scenes help with the smooth running of the production.
Half a dozen Nepean residents are busy with rehearsals, including Laurie Dickson in the role of the Sorcerer. Laurie produced last year's production, "The Gondoliers", and has been associated with Savoy Society for 10 years as well as performing with Orpheus, Lakeside Players and Goya. His wife, Barbara Dickson, is the production's properties mistress.
Linda Webster, is in her 8th season with Savoy and also serves as Vice President of the Society's Board of Directors.
Sue McGahey (6th season with Savoy) takes on the role of volunteer co-ordinator on the Board. Sue has also appeared in the Kanata Theatre production of "The Haunted Castle" and in the Ottawa Little Theatre's summer 2001 production of "Kiss Me Kate". Both Linda and Sue perform in the chorus and serve as understudies for female lead roles.
Doug Thicke, in his second year with Savoy, has taken on the role of the Notary, as well as performing in the chorus.
Tanya Chang, in her first year with Savoy, sings in the chorus and acts as dance captain to the Savoy troupe.
Linda Applegate, also in her first year with Savoy, is new to Ottawa but has experience with G&S productions in Hong Kong, Britain and the U.S.
Among the behind-the-scenes helpers are several Nepean residents.
In her 24th year with Savoy, Costume Mistress, Ellen Boynton, puts her dressmaking/home economics background to good us in the wardrobe department.
Linda Davis (make-up design) and Vivian Croll (assistant producer) are both in their second seasons with Savoy.
"The Sorcerer" will run from March 28 to 30 and April 2 to 5 at the Centrepointe Theatre. Performances begin at 8 p.m., except for a 2 p.m. matinee on March 30. For tickets, call the Centrepointe Box Office at 727-6650.