08/06/2024
Cape Cod Times review is out:
Gilbert & Sullivan original mix in Chatham
CHATHAM — Over a century after their debut, opera mainstays Gilbert and Sullivan are still making waves across the Cape Cod theater scene. “I Have A Song To Sing, O!” skillfully combines the musical duo’s most famous operettas with the nostalgia and chaos of a fictitious theater convention.
Name of show: “I Have A Song To Sing, O!” by Robert Grady; music and lyrics by William S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan; directed and produced by Robert Grady and Pam Banas; musical direction by Geraldine Boles.
What is “I Have A Song To Sing, O!” about?
“I Have A Song To Sing, O!” takes place at a fictitious festival celebrating the works and legacy of dramatist William S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan, who co-wrote 14 comic operas during the 19th century. A traditionalist troupe is performing a no-frills, to-the-book production of “The Pirates of Penzance.” A queer-centric troupe is performing a gender-bending, modernist production of “Iolanthe.” An all-female troupe is performing a progressive interpretation of “H.M.S. Pinafore.” A final group is performing “The Mikado,” set in fantasy Japan. However, as a result of a technological error — thanks, Microsoft! — all four troupes are scheduled to perform at the same time. The actors are then forced to navigate sharing the stage, forcing them to reconcile their differences in a series of tense situations.
Should I go see it? “I Have A Song To Sing, O!” is a charming tribute to Gilbert and Sullivan that leaves the stage brimming with hope and honesty. Fans of the theatrical partnership will absolutely love this extended r***e of their four most popular operas. Those less familiar with opera should go to challenge their perceptions of the genre as “traditional.” CDG brings excitement and humor to the 19th-century productions.
What are the best parts of 'Song to Sing'?
Highlights: Chatham Drama Guild touts a multitalented cast and crew that shines brightest during solo numbers. Alex Luchessi’s deep vibrato captivates the audience in “Oh Is There Not One Maiden Breast'' and “On a Tree by a River,” playing a crucial character in both “Mikado” and “Pirates of Penzance.” Joseph So offers an earnest, whimsical rendition of “Spurn Not the Nobly Born '' while dressed in shimmering fairy attire. Finally, standout Laura Barabe stuns while performing “Poor Wandering One” and “Fair Moon, To Thee I Sing,” demonstrating incredible breath control and an impressive range.
Chatham Drama Guild also boasts an impressive costume cabinet curated by Pam Banas, with performers dressed to the nines as pirates, fairies, sailors, and more. Actors demonstrate impressive stamina when performing quick changes between almost every number.
Needs work: No opening night is complete without a few hiccups. Some actors seemed less familiar with the material than others, leading to pauses during songs that left the pianist vamping. Movement on the stage during ensemble numbers often felt disjointed and distracted from the songs themselves. However, don’t let this dissuade you from coming. These instances will likely tighten up as the cast continues to perform over the coming weeks.
One thing to note: “I Have A Song To Sing, O!” is a brand new, original production written and produced entirely by the Chatham Drama Guild. Actor and co-director Robert Grady wrote the script, eager to mesh the soundtracks of several Gilbert and Sullivan operas. This is demonstrative of Chatham Drama Guild’s “many hats” mentality, where actors regularly help with production or assist backstage with lights, sound, and set design.
How you can see Chatham Gilbert & Sullivan
If you go: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, through Aug. 18. Tickets, available at chatdramaguild.org/, cost $26 — for $4, your group can upgrade to cabaret table seating. The box office opens in person one hour before showtime. The performance runs for 1 hour, 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Olivia Pozen
Located at 134 Crowell Road, just off Route 28 in Chatham, with handicap access and a cash bar,
