Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria returns on February 10 to the recently refurbished 561-seat Alexander Theatre, Clayton to present Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta The Gondoliers for four performances.
Directed and choreographed by Robert Ray, with musical direction by John Ferguson, GSOV’s production is promoted as featuring “a state-of-the-art stage, a world-class lighting system and 150 microphones delivering exquisite sound quality.”
Set in Venice and a balmy isle in the Mediterranean, The Gondoliers tells of handsome brothers Marco and Giuseppe Palmieri, both happy, contended gondoliers, who are fiercely sought after by the single ladies of Venice. Who will the boys marry and which one shall become king? To complicate matters, this is also a story of babies mixed-up at birth.
Composer Arthur Sullivan was inspired to write Italian and Spanish melodies to create “The happiest music ever written by an Englishman”, while W. S. Gilbert’s satirical lyrics about Republicanism remain relevant today.
Pre-theatre drinks and dining are available at Script and there is free underground parking available.
Performance Dates: February 10, 11, 12 at 8pm, 2pm matinee on Saturday, February 12.
Venue: The Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton. Ticket Prices: $50 Full Price, $45 Concession, $40 Student, $25 Child U/16. Running Time: 2.5 hours approx. (One interval) Bookings: https://gsov.org.au/the-gondoliers-2021

• Cheryl Threadgold