USD Opera Presents Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Gondoliers'
A two-act, comedic operetta, the story focuses on two charming Venetian gondoliers, Giuseppe and Marco, who are informed that due to an error of identity when they were young boys, one of them is the heir to the throne of Barataria. Matters are complicated when the Duke and Duchess of Plaza Toro reveal that their beautiful daughter, Casilda, was married to the future king as an infant. The problem? Giuseppe and Marco are both newly married to the peasant girls Tessa and Gianetta, and Casilda is in love with her father’s attendant, Luiz.
Since its premiere in 1889, the operetta has delighted audiences with its memorable score by Sullivan and its satire of class distinctions, cleverly tucked into Gilbert’s witty plotline. The duo were Victorian-era theatrical partners who collaborated on fourteen comic operas between 1871 and 1896. Their operas are highly credited with influencing the development of musical theatre throughout the 20th century.
Thirty cast members will be on stage during the opera, directed by Tracelyn Gesteland, DMA, professor of voice/opera in the USD Department of Music and the Walter A. and Lucy Yoshioka Buhler Endowed Chair. Fourteen students will perform in the orchestra, conducted by Chun-Ming Chen, DMA, director of orchestral activities and professor in the music department.
Production was originally slated for 2020 but was canceled due to the pandemic.
"It is so wonderful to finally get to do this opera. It is full of humor, color and energy — we are having such a great time rehearsing it, and I can't wait for audiences to experience it. If you have never seen an opera or if you don't think that opera is for you, this is the one to come and see!” said Gesteland.
USD Opera will perform Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 4 at 3 p.m. in Aalfs Auditorium, inside Slagle Hall. Tickets ($15 adults, $12 senior citizen (62+), $5 grades K-12, and free to current USD students with ID and free to benefit-eligible USD faculty and staff with ID) will be available at the door, one hour before curtain (cash or check). Tickets are also available online at USD The Gondoliers.
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