Toronto Operetta Theatre: The Gondoliers by Gilbert & Sullivan. Alyssa Bartholomew, Casilda; Lissy Meyerowitz, Tessa; Sebastien Belcourt, Giuseppe Palmieri; Austin Larusson, Don Alambra; Marcus Tranquilli, Luiz; Taylor Gibbs, Antonio; Brooke Mitchell, Gianetta; Yanik Gosselin, Marco; Gregory Finney, The Duke of Plaza-Toro; Meghan Symon, The Duchess of Plaza-Toro; Matheus Coelho do Nascimento, Conductor. Friday, February 28, 2025 on the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Toronto.
The Gondoliers is the twelfth and final profitable collaboration between composer Arthur Sullivan and librettist W.S. Gilbert, the dynamic Victorian-era duo identified for establishing the distinctive English type of the operetta. As with lots of their works, the story has parts of affection and mistaken identities, and makes satirical references to class and social equality.
Gondolier Brothers Giuseppe and Marco have simply married their dream brides, Tessa and Gianetta, respectively. It’s then revealed that one of many brothers is the inheritor to the throne of the Barataria kingdom, which they need to now rule collectively till it may be ascertained who the true inheritor is.
Issues get difficult when the Duke and Duchess of Plaza Toro arrive from Spain with their stunning daughter Casilda, who was betrothed to the long run king of Barataria as an toddler, and intend to assert her throne as Queen. Casilda, nonetheless, is in love with Luis, her father’s attendant. The nurse who raised the inheritor is named in to establish the true king, however she reveals she secretly made a substitution.
In true G&S trend, the story ends fortunately, and everybody will get to marry their chosen one.
The Solid
The operetta has 9 main roles and every will get its personal second to shine in their very own solo, in addition to in a variety of duet, trios and quartets.
Yanik Gosselin (Marco) and Sebastien Belcourt (Giuseppe) play the pair of gondoliers with partaking personalities and a great dose of comedic appearing, particularly after they attempt to steal one another’s thunder whereas ruling collectively. Gosselin’s lyrical tenor is well-complemented by Belcourt’s velvety baritone.
The brothers are completely paired with Brooke Mitchell (Gianetta) and Lissy Meyerowitz (Tessa) as their new wives. Mitchell is a strong coloratura soprano who has good appearing chops and an endearing chemistry with Gosselin. Meyerowitz is a heat mezzo with extra refined but efficient appearing.
This Gondoliers is an instance of how the entire is bigger than the sum of its elements. Alyssa Bartholomew is a bright-voiced and expressive soprano who brings appeal to her function as Casilda. Her counterparts Marcus Tranquilli (Luis) and Meghan Symon (Duchess) are usually not as vocally convincing of their solos, however as a part of a duet or quartet, they arrive off nicely-balanced.
Austin Larusson deserves particular point out, bringing a soronous baritone and appropriately dry humour to the function of the Grand Inquisitor.
Remaining Ideas
G&S operettas are tough to do in that good singing alone doesn’t make a effective manufacturing. The flexibility to deliver out the nuances of G&S humour and satire is what lots of the effective younger singers on this manufacturing are usually not totally greedy but. It’s no surprise that G&S veteran Gregory Finney steals the present because the Duke, not solely together with his commanding baritone and stage presence, however he totally captures the essence of G&S comedy with the best results.
Though the remainder of the ensemble is a hit or miss in vocal high quality and appearing, the choruses are in good sound steadiness and make the very best musical moments of the present.
Newcomer Matheus Coelho leads the small however mighty 9-piece orchestra by an brisk studying of the rating.
Regardless of the present being evidently produced on a shoestring finances — a really sparse set, lacklustre costumes and minimal choreography — it’s actually Gilbert’s sharp-witted libretto and Sullivan’s infectious tunes that make the manufacturing. It could appear that lately, G&S has misplaced its enchantment to the plenty, as fewer and fewer firms are producing them. However judging by the complete home and viewers reactions, the witty humour, farcical plots and sensible music of G&S endure.
And we’re delighted to study that the custom continues subsequent yr when the Toronto Operetta Theatre will current The Mikado in its 2025-26 season. Positively one thing value wanting ahead to.
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Denise Lai is a Physiotherapist and Faculty Professor. She is an alumnus of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and a rusty piano participant.
