Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents
“A ROMP WITH GILBERT & SULLIVAN”
With Soprano Tracy Olivera, Baritone Bob McDonald, Tenor Steve Cramer,
Pianist Joseph Holt and the Gloria Musicae Singers
May 9 and 10 • Historic Asolo Theater
Artist Series Concerts’ celebrates its final pops performance of the season with this high-spirited review featuring highlights from “The Pirates of Penzance,” “The Mikdo,” and H.M.S. Pinafore.”
(Sarasota, Florida) Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents “A Romp with Gilbert & Sullivan,” featuring highlights from such beloved works as “The Pirates of Penzance,” “The Mikado,” and “H.M.S. Pinafore,” Saturday, May 9, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 10, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Singers from Gloria Musicae join noted soloists Tracy Olivera, soprano, Bob McDonald, baritone, and Steve Cramer, tenor, for this high-spirited romp though some of the best of Gilbert and Sullivan. The production is under the direction of Joseph Holt, artistic director of special projects for ASC, who will also accompany the singers on piano. Tickets are $25 to $45 and can be purchased online at www.artistseriesconcerts.org or by calling 941-360-7399.
This revue features highlights from three of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular works, “The Pirates of Penzance,” about the adventures of an idealistic young man apprenticed by mistake to a gang of tenderhearted pirates; “The Mikado,” which slings hints of satire at Japanese society; and “H.M.S. Pinafore,” a good-natured poke at the British social class system, the Royal Navy, chauvinism and politics.
The three soloists, Tracy Olivera, Bob McDonald, and Steve Cramer, are well known to theatergoers across the nation. Multi-faceted soprano Tracy Olivera has made numerous appearances at such venues as the Olney Theatre Center, Washington’s Shakespeare Theatre Company, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and, most recently, in Arena Stage’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Tenor Steve Cramer is best known for his performance of the leading role of Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables” on Broadway and at numerous theaters throughout the US and Canada. He is a six-time Helen Hayes Award nominee, winning the award for the Best Actor in a Musical for his performance of Frederic in “The Pirates of Penzance.” Baritone Bob McDonald has made numerous appearances at the Folger Theatre (starring in three of its productions of Gilbert and Sullivan), at Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, the Library of Congress, and the Kennedy Center. Fans of the Washington Capitals know him for his frequent renditions of the national anthem before their games.
The trio will be joined by Joseph Holt on piano, and singers from the Gloria Musicae Singers, who critic June LeBell recently hailed as “an adventurous, exciting ensemble that could easily match powers with professional choral forces around the country.”
In the 1870’s playwright and librettist William S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan revolutionized musical theater with a series of witty, melodic operettas that set a new standard for stage professionalism.
“First publicized as ‘light operas,’ Gilbert and Sullivan’s works were, by any name, musicals, and some of the finest in the world,” says Holt. “Sullivan’s music sparkles with fresh melody while Gilbert’s librettos blend silliness and satire ranging from pure fantasy to the utterly realistic. The songs will be performed by three acclaimed soloists who know the works of Gilbert and Sullivan inside and out. We’re sure they’ll have audiences humming snippets of this beguiling music long after the show has ended.”
Since 1996, Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota has presented an ever-expanding annual season of concerts by globally renowned and celebrated emerging artists. The 2014-2015 season runs through May 2015 and includes six concerts in its “Classical Recital Series,” four concerts in its “Pop Series,” and three special concerts. Three “Lunch, Look and Listen” events are also scheduled. For more information about the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota’s 2014-2015 season, visit www.artistseriesconcerts.org or call 941-306-1202.
The Remaining 2014-2015 Season at a Glance
Classical Recital Series
Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Asolo Theater; 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota.
- Adrienne Danrich, vocalist, and Djordje Nesic, May 30 and 31.
Pop Series
At the Historic Asolo Theater; 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota.
- “ “A Romp With Gilbert & Sullivan” with Tracy Olivera, soprano, Bob McDonald, baritone, Steve Cramer, tenor, Joseph Holt, piano, and the Gloria Musicae Singers performing highlights from “Pirates” “The Mikado,” and “Pinafore.” May 9, 7:30 p.m., and May 10, 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Soiree Series
Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. and Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. At the Weisenborne/Fischer residence. Call for address.
- Jennifer Kim, classical guitar. April 26 and 27.
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota was formed in 1996 as the Artist Series of Sarasota. The group is a non-profit corporation based in Sarasota, FL, that prides itself on presenting several major national and international varieties of concert, opera, orchestral, Broadway and film performances throughout their season. The majority of the performances are staged at the restored Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling.
