Summer 2008
August 14-17, 2008
History of Gilbert and Sullivan, 1989-1998
The University Theatre is pleased to announce the return of Gilbert and Sullivan to the Oregon State University stage. For ten years from 1989 until 1998, the University Theatre produced an annual Gilbert and Sullivan festival.
Starting with H.M.S. Pinafore in the old Mitchell Playhouse, continuing with a record breaking Mikado in 1990, the festival moved to Crescent Valley High School in the summer of 1991 with Patience (the Mitchell Playhouse had been condemned and the new theatre in Withycombe was not completed); this production transferred to the new theatre in Withycombe Hall for a revival in the fall of 1991. C.V. Bennett directed the first three G and S productions. In 1992, Charlotte Headrick directed the Pirates of Penzance followed by the 1993 Princess Ida (choreographed by Luke Kahlich and directed by Charlotte Headrick) and in 1994, she directed The Gondoliers. In 1995, Luke Kahlich directed and choreographed Iolanthe. In 1996, Marion Rossi directed The Mikado followed by his direction of H.M.S. Pinafore in 1997.
In 1998, Pirates of Penzance was produced with Rossi directing and Headrick choreographing. All ten productions were designed by now Assoc. Prof. emeritus Richard George and Rebecca Jeffers was the pianist and music director for the entire ten year run. With the exception of the 1990 Mikado, all productions were revived during the fall quarter for returning students to enjoy.
Due to the high cost of producing a musical, the program was discontinued.
For ten years the University Theatre produced these lively productions
aided in the first years by the College of Liberal Arts, the Summer School,
and the Educational Activities Fund. We are delighted to announce that
the 2007 Gilbert and Sullivan, for the first time, will be a joint endeavor
of the University Theatre and the Department of Music of Oregon State
University.
