New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players Present Rarely Staged THE SORCERER, 12/1 & 2

The New YorK Gilbert & Sullivan Players, America's preeminent professional Gilbert & Sullivan repertory company, will launch its G&S Fest 2013 with a rarely staged production of The Sorcerer today, December 1st and Sunday, December 2nd at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College.

Set in a quaint English village, The Sorcerer is the story of Alexis, a young military officer who purchases a love-at-first-sight potion from a respectable and old-established Family Sorcerer. Of course, this potion is compounded on the strictest of moral principles so as to have no effect on married persons. The power of love is tested when, after drinking tea spiked with the potion, the whole village finds itself engaged in hilarious mismatches – including the sorcerer himself! Even the well meaning, but misguided, Alexis is unhappy with this situation, so the sorcerer agrees to make a personal sacrifice in order to set things back the way they were - disappearing magically to the delight of all. Combining Gilbert's favorite theme of class distinction with magical and theatrical illusions, the production features Sullivan's lilting melodies, glorious harmonies, and just the right touch of pastoral sentiment to convey the essence of Gilbert's light-hearted satire.

Under the artistic and music direction of Albert Bergeret, the company has presented over 2,600 performances throughout the United States, Canada, and England. Incorporating a 25-piece orchestra, its productions feature contemporary energy while retaining a traditional respect for each of the G&S masterpieces. New YorK Gilbert & Sullivan Players is considered by many to be the nation's "leading custodian of the G&S classics."

Performances of The New YorK Gilbert & Sullivan Players' production of The Sorcerer at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College (899 10th Avenue at 59th Street) will be at 8PM today, December 1st at and 3PM on Sunday, December 2nd. Tickets are $87 for Orchestra and $67 for Balcony. Child price of $34 for Balcony Only. Senior prices are $79 and $59. Call 212-769-1000 or visit www.nygasp.org for tickets.

The NYGASP season will continue with the company's gala return to City Center January 4th - 20th with three iconic classic productions of "The Mikado," H.M.S. Pinafore" and "The Yeomen of the Guard," plus the annual New Year's Eve champagne gala (December 31st 8PM) at Symphony Space.

The NYGASP 2012-13 season is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State's 62 counties and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Photo Credit: William Reynolds