Miranda & Rowena Evans performing in Iolanthe

Gilbert and Sullivan Extravaganza

Cooma, cure 1^st & 2^nd June 2012

page helvetica, sans-serif; color: #222222;”>Coming soon: “A Gilbert and Sullivan Extravaganza”. This unique production is the brainchild of Robert Shearer and will be presented by the Cooma Harmony Chorus and the Snowy Mountains Ensemble. The performances will also feature local and visiting soloists, including singers from the ANU School of Music. The concept of this Gilbert & Sullivan Extravaganza (everyone is now calling it simply “the G&S”) has grown out of the successes of last year’s musical colaborations in Cooma, namely: Gilbert and Sullivan’s, “Trial by Jury”, “Sing Your Own Handel’s Messiah” and the “Australia Day Music Celebration-Let Our Stars Shine”.

Robert Shearer, who is co-directing the production with Petra Lindsay, has selected excerpts from “The Mikado”, “HMS Pinafore”, “Pirates of Penzance”, “Yeomen of the Guard”, “The Gondoliers” and “Iolanthe”.

Ann Tame as the Duchess from The Gondoliers

He has ingeniously written a script that combines all these excerpts into a single musical narrative. While remaining true to the composers’ original vision, Robert has added modern references that will delight and amuse a present day audience. The popularity of Gilbert and Sullivan’s works has not diminished over the years. Their appeal lies in the combination of wonderful music and comedy.

“A Gilbert and Sullivan Extravaganza” will feature timeless favourites such as: I’m Called Little Buttercup, On A Tree By A River, A Policeman’s Lot Is Not A Happy One, When I Was A Lad, Three Little Maids, I Am The Captain Of The Pinafore, and many more.

A major focus of this production will be big, bold and lively musical performances by 21 talented soloists accompanied by a 20 member chorus and a full 26 piece orchestra conducted by Rodney Clancy. Lavish costuming, lighting effects, dance and movement will also add to this exciting production.

Important Details:

There will be 3 performances only:

• Friday 1st June at 7.30pm (Evening Performance)
• Saturday 2nd June at 1.30pm (Matinee Performance) and at 7.30pm (Evening Performance)

Venue: Cooma Ex-Services Club, Vale Street, Cooma

The Soloists (in no particular order): Richard Hopkins, Jack Clayton, Elizabeth Barnes, Deb Law, Nick Giger, Rowena Evans, Charles Bradshaw, John Price, Miranda Evans, Robert Shearer, Jesse Greig, Josh Burke, Dave Learoyd, Judy Gibson, Keren Dalzell, Tala Ferguson, Ann Tame, Nigel Griffiths, Julia Clancy and Hilary Keighley