New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players Announce Festival

America's foremost Gilbert & Sullivan repertory ensemble, the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, proudly announces part 2 of G&S Fest 2008, a festival of Gilbert & Sullivan productions featuring an unprecedented number of shows in one season, slated for June 6-15th 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 is the product of many years and many people. "We could not do this without the collective experience of the Company's many talented artists and the support of our local patrons, both as ticket buyers and financial contributors" said Mr. Bergeret.

G&S Fest 2008 will continue on June 6th with H.M.S. Pinafore, followed by encore productions of The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and The Gondoliers. 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: H.M.S. Pinafore---Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B. - Stephen Quint, Captain Corcoran - Richard Holmes, Ralph Rackstraw - Colm Fitzmaurice, Bill Bobstay, Boatswain - William Whitefield, Bob Beckett, Carpenter - David Wannen, Dick Deadeye - Louis Dall'Ava; Josephine - Laurelyn Watson Chase, Cousin Hebe - Victoria Devany, Little Buttercup - Angela Smith; The Pirates of Penzance--- Major-General Stanley - Stephen Quint, Pirate King - David Wannen, Samuel - David Macaluso, Frederic - Colm Fitzmaurice, Sergeant of Police - David Auxier, Mabel - Sarah Smith, Edith - Erika Person, Kate - Melissa Attebury, Ruth - Angela Smith; The Mikado---The Mikado - David Wannen, Ko-Ko - David Macaluso, Pooh-Bah - Louis Dall'Ava, Pish-Tush - Edward Prostak, Yum-Yum - Laurleyn Watson Chase, Peep-Bo - Lauren Wenegrat, Pitti-Sing - Melissa Attebury; The Gondoliers --- The Duke of Plaza Toro - Stephen Quint, Don Alhambra, The Grand Inquisitor - Richard Holmes, Marco Palmieri - Colm Fitzmaurice, Giuseppe Palmieri - William Whitefield, The Duchess of Plaza Toro - Angela Smith, Casilda - Michele McConnell, Gianetta - Laurelyn Watson Chase, Tessa - Erika Person, Inez - Victoria Devany. (All casting subject to change.)

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 June 7th at 12:45 for Pirates; June 8th at 1:45 for Pinafore; June 14th at 12:45 for Mikado and June 15th at 1:45 for Gondoliers. Your matinee admission is your ticket to Family Overture!

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.

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