NY Gilbert & Sullian Players Host 'G&S Fest 2008'

America's foremost Gilbert & Sullivan repertory ensemble, the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, is proud to announce its new "G&S Fest 2008," a festival of Gilbert & Sullivan productions featuring an unprecedented number of shows in one season slated January 4-15  and June 6-15 on the great stage of New York's historic City Center (West 55th Street, between 6th and 7th  Avenues).

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, the 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."

G&S Fest 2008 will kick off with its winter selections on January 4 with Princess Ida followed by The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and a one night only evening of Trial By Jury plus a revue - G & S à la Carte!.

The NYGASP productions are performed under the baton of Albert Bergeret, who also serves as stage director.  A sampling of the season's casting includes NYGASP veteran actors in the following roles (All casting subject to change):

The Pirates of Penzance
Stephen Quint as Major General Stanley, Keith Jurosko as The Sergeant of Police, Laurelyn Watson Chase as Mabel, Ross Crutchlow as The Pirate King, and Angela Smith as Ruth

Princess Ida
Keith Jurosko as King Hildebrand, Michael Scott Harris as Cyril, Stephen Quint as King Gama, Dianna Dollman as Lady Blanche, and Kimberly Bennett as Melissa

Trial by Jury
David Wannen as The Usher, Laurelyn Watson Chase as The Plaintiff, Michael Scott Harris as The Defendant, Richard Holmes as The Counsel, and Stephen Quint as The Learned Judge. 

The summer component continues on June 6 with H.M.S. Pinafore, followed by The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and The Gondoliers. A sampling of the season's casting includes NYGASP veteran actors in the following roles (All casting is subject to change):

H.M.S. Pinafore
Stephen Quint as Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B., Keith Jurosko and Richard Holmes as the Captain, Angela Smith as Little Buttercup, and Louis Dall'Ava as Dick Dead-Eye

The Pirates of Penzance
David Wannen as The Sergeant of Police, Laurelyn Watson as Mabel, Colm Fitzmaurice as Frederic, Stephen Quint as Major General Stanley

The Mikado
Keith Jurosko as The Mikado, Laurelyn Watson Chase as Yum-Yum, and Louis Dall'Ava as Pooh-Bah

The Gondoliers
Erika Person as Tessa, Stephen Quint as The Duke of Plaza Toro, and Keith Jurosko as Don Alhambra

The NYGASP productions will have costumes designed by Gail J. Wofford; lights designed by Sally Small, and scenery by Mr. Bergeret.

Audiences of all ages will enjoy the NYGASP Family Overture series of entertaining and informative pre-show musical introductions and plot summaries. Hosted by Artistic Director Albert Bergeret, these interactive and fun-filled presentations are offered on  Jan.5 at 12:45 for Pirates; Jan. 6 at 1:45 for Ida; Jan 12 at 12:45 for Mikado; June 7 at 12:45 for Pirates; June 8 at 1:45 for Pinafore; June 14 at 12:45 for Mikado and June 15 at 1:45 for Gondoliers. Your matinee admission is your ticket to Family Overture!

Performances January 4 through 15th include: Princess Ida – Fri. Jan. 4th  – 8PM, Sun. Jan. 6th  – 3PM, Sat. Jan. 12 – 8PM; The Pirates of Penzance – Sat. Jan. 5th – 2 & 8PM, Tues. Jan. 8th  – 7PM, Fri. Jan 11th – 8PM; Sun. Jan. 13th  – 3PM: Trial by Jury plus G&S A La Carte (Revue) – Thurs. Jan. 10th -8PM; The Mikado, Sat. Jan. 12th – 2PM.

Summer performances June 6-15th feature: H.M.S. Pinafore – Fri. June. 6th  – 8PM, Sun. June. 8th  – 3PM, Tues. June 10th -7PM, Wed, June 11th -2PM; The Pirates of Penzance – Sat. June 7th -2PM, Fri. June 13th -8PM; The Mikado - Sat. June 7th - 8PM, Sat. June 14th 2PM;  The Gondoliers – Thurs. June 12th – 8PM, Sat. June 14th – 8PM, Sun. June 15th – 3PM.

Tickets range in price from $96 to $40.  (Children 12 or under: half price when accompanied by an adult, 10% Senior discount on $80, $60 and $40 seats) . More information and tickets can be obtained through the City Center box office and by phoning CityTix (212) 581-1212 or log on to www.nycitycenter.org.