Gilbert and Sullivan at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis

Beginning tomorrow, June 18, the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will begin previews for their production of Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore directed by Joe Dowling. The show will feature Christina Baldwin (Buttercup), Robert O. Berdahl (Captain Corcoran), Barbara Bryne (A Very Special Visitor), Aleks Knezevich (Ralph Rackstraw), Seri Johnson (Cousin Hebe), Heather Lindell (Josephine), Robb McKindles (Bill Bobstay), Jason Simon (Dick Deadeye), Peter Thomson (Sir Joseph Porter) and J. Tyler Whitmer (Bob Becket). The production is put together by Joe Dowling (Director), Andrew Cooke (Music Director), David Bolger (Choreography), Frank Hallinan Flood (Set Designer) and Fabio Toblini (Costume Designer).

Joe Dowling, Christina Baldwin and Robert O. Berdahl (Photo: Brigitte Norby)

Production photos and video interview with Joe Dowling, after the jump. Visit the company's facebook page for more photos and information.

(Photos: Heidi Bohnenkamp)

SYNOPSIS:
"Her Majesty’s Ship Pinafore is setting sail for the splash hit event of the summer! Gilbert and Sullivan’s first blockbuster is among the most crowd-pleasing comic musicals in history, loved for its dynamite songs, gleefully entertaining story and saucy satire. The captain’s daughter is in love with an ordinary sailor but her father has a more sophisticated suitor in mind. Will she and her beloved defy convention and set sail for love? Filled with Sullivan’s memorable melodies – infused with fresh musical arrangements ranging from big band swing to classic pop – H.M.S. Pinafore is pure joy and sensational entertainment for everyone, young or old!" [Source]

Bartione David Wannen as the Pirate King in Columbus

"Singer and actor David Wannen contends every child should be exposed to Scripture, Shakespeare and the works of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. Wannen learned about all three during his years at the Sheridan School in Washington, D.C., and the lessons stuck with him. He now performs with and serves as managing director of the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players.That troupe, based in New York City, will bring The Pirates of Penzance to the Southern Theatre in Columbus June 10-12 in conjunction with Opera Columbus and CAPA....'The comic operetta combines contemporary performance values with topical humor for today's audience,' Wannen said....'When you go to see a Gilbert and Sullivan show, you can't leave without being in a better mood,' Wannen said. 'Your spirits will be lifted.' Wannen portrays the Pirate King in this production. He previously

played the Sergeant of Police in a 2007 version of Pirates that also visited Columbus. Originally from D.C., he now lives in New York City. His credits include television work on The Guiding Light and a tour of Camelot with the late Robert Goulet. Wannen spent four consecutive summers, from 2000-03, with the Ohio Light Opera Company in Wooster. He portrayed more than 20 different roles in 180 performances, including Tommy in Brigadoon and the Boatswain in HMS Pinafore." [Source]

Read more about the production here and here. Ticket information after the jump.


The Pirates of Penzance runs June 10-12 at the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., Columbus. Showtimes are: 8 p.m. Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11; and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 12, Tickets range from $10 to $102.50 at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office, 39 E. State St., all Ticketmaster outlets, and ticketmaster.com. To purchase tickets by phone, call 614-469-0939 or 800-745-3000.